Marathon OPP Warn of Phone & Online Scams

Written by ManitouwadgeMarathon OPP on 17 September 2012

MARATHON ON – The Marathon detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is receiving complaints of phone and online scams. The scams have many different approaches, however the goal of the scammers generally the same. Victims are pressured to provide personal information, banking information, remote access to their computers or to make instant decisions about investments or purchases. This allows the scammers to commit identity theft, access bank accounts/ investments, or fraudulently use credit cards.

Be suspicious of anyone who asks you to provide personal / banking / credit card information in order to verify your accounts by phone or online. Reputable institutions will already have this information and would be able to provide you with all the information about your account if you require it. If there is a reported problem with your bank, go to the bank in person to resolve the issue. You can also request that the bank or credit card company send you the information by mail for you to look over.
Be wary of anyone who asks you to send them money. A common scam is for someone to call you claiming to be a friend or a member of your family in a crisis situation and in need of money. This type of scam is commonly used to target elderly persons. Check with your other family members before you send anyone money.
Watch out for callers promoting free trips or promising huge financial gain. There is no such thing a something for nothing. There may be hidden fees making that make the trip cost more than it would in the first place. If it sound too good to be true—it likely is.
Be wary of those claiming to represent a computer software company having knowledge of issues with your computer. Do not be persuaded to allow anyone to have remote access to your computer.
Be suspicious of someone who claims to be from a phone company who claims to be doing phone line testing. A common scam is for someone to ask you to press certain buttons on your phone. This may allow the caller access to your long distance account. A legitimate phone company technician can test the lines without calling your residence.
Resist pressure to act immediately. Many scammers apply pressure to act on “limited time offers” that are presented as great deals. The callers are relying on an urge to act out of impulse and can be very convincing. If you feel pressured, do not say anything and hang up.
If a door to door salesperson comes to your home, ask to see their identification and call their employer if you are suspicious. Do not provide the salesperson with personal information such as your gas or hydro account information. Do not let the person come into your home to unless you are absolutely sure who you are dealing with. Some scammers may ask to see your furnace, water heater, air exchanger or air conditioner as part of their scam. In reality, they may be hoping to see what valuables you have in your home. Once in your home, they can also pressure you further to participate in their bogus offer. If you are suspicious of the offer, get a second opinion from a reputable company in your area. Do not commit to anything until you are satisfied that the business or offer is legitimate.
Be suspicious of any email notifying you of a huge lottery prize, or someone overseas offering to give you large sums of money out of the goodness of their heart. Once again, if it sounds too go to be true—it probably is. Do not provide the information requested and delete the email.
When making purchases online or by phone—do not provide your credit card information unless you are absolutely sure who you are dealing with.

If you discover that you have become a victim of a fraud or scam. Contact the local police immediately to report the crime. If your credit cards or bank accounts are involved, notify them as soon as you can so they can assist you.

For more information about many the many types of fraud and what to watch for, you can contact the:

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre