FROM/DE: SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY DETACHMENT


(PENETANGUISHENE, ON.) – The members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind citizens that frauds and scams abound in our day to day world in all forms of media and of course the telephone. Please take a moment to read the tips provided below so that you may not be SCAMMED!


Telephone Fraud

Most telemarketers are honest people, but some are criminals just trying to separate you and your loved ones from your savings.

Because many legitimate charities are not-for-profit groups use the phone to raise funds, you have to know how to tell the legitimate from the illegitimate.

This newsletter outlines some tips to help you spot phone fraud.


How Can We Protect Ourselves?

BE CAUTIOUS!!!!!!!!!!

You have the right to check out any call by requesting written information, references and time to think over the offer.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT THE CALL, YOUR BEST DEFENSE IS TO HANG UP.  IT’S NOT RUDE, IT’S SMART.

IF IN DOUBT ASK THE ADVICE OF A TRUSTED FRIEND, RELATIVE OR YOUR BANKER.

If you suspect you or someone you know has fallen prey to a con artist, don’t criticize them.  Encourage them to report to incident to their local police, or the Canadian Anti Fraud Center, or Industry Canada, Competition Bureau


Canadian Anti Fraud Center 1-888-495-8501

Industry Canada 1-800-348-5358


Other Favourite Scams!!!

Home repairs, the phoney bank inspector, the phoney home inspector or the free vacation scam or any other home utilities deals.

Remember these con artists are accomplished liars and have no qualms about telling you anything that will separate you from your money.

BE ALERT TO FRAUD AND REMEMBER: IT’S NOT RUDE TO HANG UP THE PHONE OR DECLINE THAT GREAT ONCE IN A LIFETIME OFFER


How Can I Recognize a Scam?

It sounds too good to be true!

You have won a big prize in a contest you don’t remember entering

You’re told you can buy into a lottery you can’t lose

You’re a big winner but you have to send money in order to pay for the delivery, taxes, duties, or some other fee.  They may even offer to send a courier to pick up your money

They want your private financial information

The caller asks for confidential banking or credit card information or you PIN (personal identification number).  Honest businesses don’t ask for PIN numbers and only request your credit card number if you are using it to pay for some service or item

Most criminal telemarketers ask you for money and they usually want it in cash or a money order.  Remember cash is untraceable and can’t be cancelled.

The caller is more excited than you are!

Crooks use this ploy to work you up and get you excited about a prize.  If you’re excited, you’re not thinking clearly

STAY CALM, THINK ABOUT WHAT THE CALLER IS SAYING

It’s the manager calling…….

The caller claims to be a banking official, government official, tax officer, lawyer, security officer or other person in authority.  Be suspicious. It’s probably a scam.

This offer is limited and you’re going to miss the chance of a lifetime.

The caller will often try to become friendly with you, calling you by your first name and asking lots of personal and lifestyle questions.  A favourite is to ask about grown children and how often they visit. Criminals want to know if you’re lonely so they can pretend to befriend you.

If the caller wants an answer immediately, it’s probably not a legitimate offer.  Real businesses or charities will give you time to check them out or think about it.


REMEMBER, IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS!!!!


Police are asking anyone with information to contact the OPP at (705) 526-3761 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com  or if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous.  Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.