Are Internet and Phone Scammers Preying on COVID-19 Fatigue?
KENORA – Kenora Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reporting a dramatic increase in the number of residents who are falling victim to frauds in the Kenora area.
Police have received multiple calls in Kenora and would like to warn the public that any person requesting money or gift cards over the phone or internet is likely a scam. If there is any concern, contact the Kenora OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Some tips to protect you from being a victim of fraud are:
- Do not give money in order to collect a prize.
- Do not give out personal information, i.e. banking information or Social Insurance Number, date of birth
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. - Be cautious if the caller asks for cash, gift cards or money order
- Do not get caught up in time constraints. If the caller tells you the offer is time sensitive and pressures you to make a decision, it is probably not a legitimate deal.
If you receive a call for a charity, ask for and check the charity’s registration number online or call the Canada Revenue Agency toll free at 1-800-495-8501.
Also, be aware of anyone who thanks you for a pledge you haven’t made.
OPP say, “If you receive any e-mails falsely claiming to be from an established legitimate organization such as a financial institution, business or government agency. The e-mail may request or direct the consumer to visit a certain website to update or provide personal and/or financial information and passwords. It is really a malicious attempt to collect customer information for the purpose of committing frauds. Do not allow anyone to access your computer unless YOU contacted the company.”
If you suspect you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact the Kenora OPP or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or 1-888-495-8501.
