the OPP
The OPP cautions residents about acting when receiving calls requesting credit card information to secure trip reservations.
Recent activities in the region indicate that some residents are being contacted by persons who claim to be representing a local business. This is false! The phone number shows up as a local number when in fact it is not.
The caller informs the scam victim that he or she has won a trip and must provide credit card information in order to finalize the deal.
What can I do to protect myself?
•Be cautious;
•You have the right to check out any caller by requesting written information, a call back number, references and time to think over the offer.
Legitimate business people will be happy to provide you with that information. After all, they want the “bad guys” out of business too;
•Always be careful about providing confidential personal information, especially banking or credit card details, unless you are certain the company is legitimate. And, if you have doubts about a caller, your best defence is to simply hang up. It’s not rude—it’s smart;
•If you’re in doubt, it’s wise to ask the advice of a close friend or relative, or even your banker. Rely on people you can trust;
•Remember, you can stop phone fraud—just hang up!
It’s not always easy to spot phone scams, and new ones are invented every day.
If you suspect that you may be a target of fraud, or if you have already sent funds, don’t be embarrassed—you’re not alone.
If you want to report a fraud, or if you need more information, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
