Fraud Threats

Our speaker this evening was OPP Community Safety Officer, Constable Cathy Lindsay. Cst Lindsay went through various types of fraud and scams that are perpetrated in our community. They generally break down to internet, phone or door threats. Fraud artists want to separate you from your assets. Recognition of fraud or a scam is the key. The following information is taken from the OPP Crime Prevention Section pamphlet.

 

Be extremely cautious if:

If an unknown person appears at your door, you are approached in your yard, a salesperson tries to pressure you into buying something, a salesperson suggests that they are working in your area. Fraud - recognize it - report it stop it. OPP 24 hour service 1-888-310-1122 or www.opp.ca

 

 

Be extremely cautious if:

Caller asks for your personal information, is requesting a donation, has something to offer like you have won a cruise or weekend away, says 'act now- they are doing you a favour'. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

Be careful when clicking on links you receive in emails, even email received from friends. Email addresses are sometimes hijacked and the message isn't coming from who you think it may be from. Clicking onto a suspicious link could give a third party access to your computer and your private information. Also remember that your bank or the Canada Revenue Agency will not email you to ask you to confirm you accounts or personal data - they have that information - a scammer doesn't.

 

For phone or internet threats, The Canadian Anti-fraud Centre can be reached at the following: Mon-Fri 8 am to 6 pm 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca

 

Constable Lindsay was thanked for her presentation by Rotarian Donovan.