March is Fraud Prevention Month, and the OPP is doing what it can to get the message out to the public to be aware and vigilant when it comes to scams.
Wellington County OPP Constable Matthew Burton says they see plenty of cases of people being scammed online and over the phone. He says if you receive an unsolicited message or call, it's best to really examine the message for some telltale scam signs.
"Lets look at the clarity of the message. Sometimes it's easier if it's in text, so lets look at the email, the spelling. Is the logo discoloured? Is there a sense of urgency? Basically is there a link, saying something like 'Click this link or else' or 'You'll be arrested if you don't pay this money' for instance," Burton said. "Is there a real sense of urgency, or spelling errors, lack of punctuation, random capital letters? Is there random links or generic business or company names. If it's over the phone, is it an automated message to your voicemail? These are all things to kind of perk your ears and eyes and take a second look at."
Constable Burton says that police all over Canada see huge amounts of fraud cases every year, sometimes on a daily basis, involving people being scammed online or over the phone.
He says investment and cryptocurrency scams have become increasingly common, and if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is and you should be extremely cautious with your money.
"I've had people remortgage their homes, lose their cars, families are broken up over this. So I would encourage everyone to please consult other people within your circle or the local police over these possible investment frauds," Burton added.
Constable Burton adds that there are many tips to avoid scams and to look for signs of scams on the OPP website or by visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website, as well. He also says if you've fallen victim to a fraud, don't be embarrassed, come forward and report it, as it happens to people all the time.
Common frauds include:
Phishing: Deceptive text messages, phone calls or emails crafted to trick individuals into revealing personal or financial information.
Investment Fraud: Scams involving fraudulent investment platforms or deceptive advisors who lure victims with promises of unusually high returns.
Identity Fraud: Scammers use stolen personal information to create new accounts or seize control of existing ones.
Romance Fraud: Scammers establish emotional connections online to gain trust, then manipulate victims into sending money, gift cards, personal information or gifts.
Scammers will use pressure, fear, urgency, and emotion to manipulate their victims.
Tips to protect yourself:
Never let anyone pressure you into acting immediately. Take your time, slow down. YOU are in control of your information.
Do not provide any personal information to someone you don't know or trust.
Never send money to anyone you don't know. A demand for immediate payment by money transfers (Western Union, MoneyGram), gift cards (iTunes, Google Play or Amazon cards) or Bitcoin is a red flag.
Hang up a call or leave any website if you become uncomfortable during the interaction.
Never click on links provided to you in an unsolicited email, text message or on social media websites. These are opportunities that can be used by offenders to steal your information. For example, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will never send you a link asking for personal or financial information.
Check in with a trusted friend or family member to get their perspective and help to determine whether the situation might be fraudulent.
How to report fraud:
If you are the recipient of a fraudulent call, text, or email, or if you have been a victim of a fraud, you are not alone. You are encouraged to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or visit Report Cybercrime and Fraud | National Cybercrime and Fraud Reporting System.
Or contact the OPP at 519-846-5930.
