**TEMISKAMING OPP NEWS RELEASE**

Members of the Temiskaming Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been responding to several different types of frauds/scams in the Temiskaming area. 

As a result of recent investigations, police would like to remind the public that you have to do your homework prior to giving any personal information or money to anyone. Below are some recent scams reported in the Temiskaming area; however we have to remember that new ones are created every day.  

Counterfeit Money Scam

Through multiple investigations from January to April 2019, an unknown individual(s) has been attending various locations and paying with counterfeit bills. 

Residents and businesses are reminded to check denominations carefully during every transaction. If you suspect a bill may be counterfeit, report it to police immediately.

The Romance Scam

Fraudsters take advantage of people who are lonesome. They may steal other profile photos to make themselves appear like someone else, use social media and lure victims. They may rush into the relationship, and promise a wedding or expensive items, once they meet in the victim’s country, or they may continue the online relationship over an extent of time to develop a trust level which usually results in the victim losing a significant amount of money, and the victim never actually meeting their so called partner. 

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Scam –

If you receive a fraudulent communication by email, phone, text, mail, from someone that claims to be the CRA and they request personal information, these are scams and never respond. 

The CRA will never send you a link and ask you to divulge personal or financial information.

These scams may insist that this personal information is needed so that the taxpayer can receive a refund or a benefit payment. Cases of fraudulent communication could also involve threatening or coercive language to scare individuals into paying fictitious debt to the CRA.

Ask yourself:

  • Does this sound too good to be true?
  • Is the requester asking for information I would not provide in my tax return?
  • Is the requester asking for information I know the CRA already has on file for me?

 

Important Safety Tips to Remember:

  • Before giving money, ask questions. If the organization is legitimate, they welcome questions and will provide reasonable answers;
  • Never provide personal information through the internet or email;
  • Keep your passwords and PIN’s a secret;
  • Do not write down passwords or carry them with you;
  • Shred unwanted documents and make sure that your name and social insurance numbers are secure;
  • Ask a trusted friend/relative/neighbour to pick up your mail when you are away or ask that a hold be placed on delivery. 
  •  

FRAUD…Recognize it …Report it …Stop it

LEARN MORE

If you suspect you may be the victim of fraud or have been tricked into giving personal or financial information, contact your local OPP detachment at 1-888-310-1122 or the (Link) Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

The Government of Canada Competition Bureau: aims to increase your awareness of the many types of fraud that target Canadians and offer some easy steps you can take to protect yourself and avoid falling victim to fraud. 

 

View “The Little Black Book of Scams” online: www.competitionbureau.gc.ca.

Filed under: Local News