A complainant called to report that they received a call from a Canada Immigration Agent who advised that a complaint had been received about him and that a warrant may be issued for his arrest. While on this phone call, a second call was received with caller ID of 684-1200 belonging to the Thunder Bay Police Service. This caller advised he was a Detective with the Thunder Bay Police Service and that a warrant would be issued if a certain amount of money was not paid. Once the call with the “Thunder Bay Police” was discontinued, the Immigration Agent began to ask for banking information to be able to pay for legal advice through their office or be arrested.
The complainant, in this case, refused to give the information requested and called the Thunder Bay Police Service to report the incident. The Thunder Bay Police Service is confirming that this is a fraud.
Citizens must be cautious when speaking to unknown people who call your home. This sense of urgency should be the first clue and send up huge red flags that a fraudster is attempting to have money sent or banking information provided by individuals can really think about it. The way technology has opened up the world, it has allowed for these criminals to have access to anyone right in the comfort of their own home either by phone or over the internet.
In this particular fraud scenario, please be assured that the police do not work with an organization that requests compensation in exchange for not being arrested. Police are encouraging citizens to simply hang up the phone. That is your right.
In order to be aware of current frauds or scams, please check out the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website. Remember, knowledge is power. Being armed with the latest information will put citizens in a situation to deal with whatever may come their way.
