HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Often it seems no matter how many times police share information on scams and frauds, the criminals seem to catch unwitting people in their net of deception.
Simple things can help protect you from frauds. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”. “Never give out your banking information”. Your bank will never email you for information. The Canada Revenue Agency doesn’t accept payment in iTunes or other prepaid cards.
Protect yourself!
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Haldimand County Detachment is investigating after a female victim lost $3,000.00 in an apparent fraud at a Sutherland Street West, Caledonia, Haldimand County, Ontario address.
On Thursday April 11, 2019 at 1:13 p.m., OPP were contacted by a female who stated she was defrauded of $3,000.00 after receiving a call from a scammer a day earlier claiming to be from an anti-virus company.
OPP investigation determined that the female victim received a telephone call from a male who claimed to be a representative from an anti-virus software company who told the victim that his company had taken unauthorized payments from customers and that he was directed to pay the customers back $500.00.
In order for the money to be deposited in the victim’s account, she was told that she would need to provide her banking information to complete the transaction.
The female provided her banking information only to find out, later on, that $3,000.00 had been withdrawn from her account.
OPP is reminding the public to never provide any personal or banking information over the telephone, particularly to unsolicited calls.
Always make notes of the conversation of who the caller is, their business and contact information.
Take the time to follow up and research the business contact information yourself to confirm the legitimacy and accuracy of the request. Even though receiving news that you are entitled to a refund, do not act on impulse.
Don’t share your financial situation with anyone and be suspicious of people who are pressing you for that information or requesting money.
For more information on fraud, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.