South Bruce OPP is providing tips to watch out for cons and scams after a Huron-Kinloss resident almost lost close to $10,000.
Police say while using a computer, the intended victim received a pop-up window advising of an error with the device and an overpayment scheme was used by the con artist. More than $9,500 was sent, but police were able to interrupt and recover the money.
“Recovering funds is often the most difficult part of a fraud investigation,” says South Bruce OPP in a release.
Police advise being cautious around unsolicited emails, phone calls, letters, and visitors at your door, and to always make sure you know who you are dealing with before you ever consider sending money or sharing personal information.
OPP say tech-savvy scammers can use technology to create very convincing schemes to trick you into sending them money and will commonly use the name of a real company to gain your trust.
Other tips to consider include:
-If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
-Remember that you can’t win a contest you did not enter in the first place.
-If you have a concern about your computer, take it to a reputable repair shop for service and do no provide access if someone call you out of the blue.
-Gift cards are a red flag. If someone contacts you and directs you to buy gift cards, you need to hang up the phone.
-Your best defence is to verify any unsolicited contact.
“Fraud is a multi-million-dollar enterprise that will only end when they stop making money,” says police.
More information can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website here or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
