The North Bay Police Service is warning the public to be aware of recent frauds in which individuals were contacted and told for various reasons that they were required to provide payment to the caller through gift cards. The reported incidents are being investigated by the North Bay Police Service.
The tactics used in these reported scams are unfortunately all too common.
Scammers often claim to be representatives of a banking institution, credit card company, government agency, or a friend or family member in need, and request that the victim provide payment through unusual means such as wire transfer, gift cards, pre-paid credit cards, or cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.
The reason for such payment can vary, but scammers may say that it is required to resolve an issue with an individual’s bank account, help a person in need, pay bail to the police, or pay outstanding tax to the Canada Revenue Agency. Scammers may also demand that payment be made immediately to prevent arrest. To protect yourself, always remember that no reputable organization requests payment in this manner.
Red Flags
Scammers are adaptable and talented at changing their methods to defraud victims, but a few things to look out for to protect yourself from these types of frauds include:
Payment will be demanded immediately or within a short period (e.g. 24 to 48 hours).
Often scammers will claim that victims will be arrested or fined if they do not make an immediate payment. Law enforcement will never demand payment and will not threaten arrest by email or phone. If in doubt, contact the law enforcement agency directly.
An unusual form of payment will be requested. This is most often gift cards but can include payment via cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, pre-paid credit cards, or by wire transfer.
Remember: No reputable organization will ever request payment through gift cards
Tips
Remember to follow these tips to help protect yourself against rental fraud:
Don’t be afraid to say no and hang up. Don’t be intimidated if scammers demand payment immediately or threaten you with potential fines or arrest if you hang up.
Never pay with gift cards. No reputable organization will ever ask you to pay with gift cards for any reason.
Contact the organization at a publicly listed phone number. If a scammer is claiming they are from the CRA, bank, local police service, or any other organization, hang up, and call that organization through their publicly listed phone number to confirm the information you received on the call.
Scammers are often able to “spoof” a legitimate organization’s phone number or e-mail when they contact you, making them seem legitimate. Never be afraid to hang up and call the organization’s publicly listed number yourself later.
Don’t give out personal information including your name, address, birthdate, Social Insurance Number, or credit card or banking information to strangers.
Do not feel ashamed if you have been victimized by a scammer. Scammers are very talented at using new technology and methods to defraud victims. If you have been victimized by a scammer, report the incident to police.
How to Report
The North Bay Police Service encourages anyone who has been defrauded to contact police at 705-497-5555 and press 5 to speak with an officer. You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report fraud online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
How to submit a tip
Anyone with information that may assist police with ongoing fraud investigations is asked to call the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and press 5 to speak with an officer. For those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Near North Crime Stoppers, by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.
