Press Release
Fort Frances OPP would like the public to be aware of recent complaints involving fraudulent phone calls.
The incident occurred when a local resident received a phone call from a male suspect.
The male suspect identified himself as a grandchild who was in jail in Montreal.
The suspect then requested $5,000 to be forwarded to him electronically in order that he could be released from jail.
Police received additional complaints recently from other local residents identifying the same motive. Police recognize that older adults are often the targets of such fraudulent crimes.
Don’t be pressured into giving information or money to anyone. Ask yourself these questions—and if the answers give you some doubt about the caller’s intentions or methods, end the call.
•Who’s calling—and why? Telemarketers must tell you it’s a sales call, the name of the seller and what they’re selling before they make their pitch. If they don’t, say “no thanks,” and get off the phone.
•What’s their hurry? Fast talkers who use high pressure tactics could be hiding something. Take your time. Most legitimate businesses will give you time and written information about an offer before asking you to commit to a purchase. It’s alright to take your time and double check!
•If it’s free, why are they asking me to pay? Questions or suspicions should arise if you need to pay to redeem a prize or gift. Free is free. If you have to pay, it’s a purchase—not a prize or a gift.
•Why am I “confirming” my account information—or giving it out at all? Some callers have your billing information before they call you. They’re trying to get you to say “okay” so they can claim you approved a charge. Never give personal or credit information over the phone.
If you have further questions or concerns, a great resource is Phone Busters. Support can be reached by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Press release
The Rainy River District OPP Detachment would like to advise that the following individuals have been located:
Larry Gamache, age 63 years of Rainy River, Ontario has been located and is safe.
Gamache contacted his family by telephone early this morning and reported that he made an unexpected trip to Quebec.
He had been reported missing Tuesday, after he left Rainy River on Monday evening en eroute to Musky Bay Camp on Hwy. 71, about 10 km north of Nestor Falls. He was to pick up a trailer of canoes there and return home that night, but never did.
In other news, Hardy Skunk and Blake Ombash of the Training and Learning Centre were reported missing at 2:15 a.m. yesterday.
Officers located the youth walking near the Lakeview Trailer Park at 6:35 a.m. The youth were safe and were returned to the Training and Learning Centre.
Police wish to thank the media for their assistance with these matters.