OPP warn of telephone scams

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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(FORT FRANCES, ON)  The Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has responded to several reports of telephone scams.

Most recently, fraudsters claim to be an employee of either the Canada Revenue Agency, Canada Immigration or another government service with authority. The scam involves victims being accused of owing back taxes, having unpaid balances and/or have committed a financial crime. The fraudster then insists that if not paid immediately, the victim will be arrested, fined or even deported.

In addition, these scams request payment via money service businesses, pre‐paid cards/gift cards (iTunes, Google Play or other forms of pay cards) or Bitcoin.

If you suspect you are being contacted by a fraudster, don't be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics. If a telemarketer tries to get you to buy something or to send them money right away, be suspicious and never release personal information. Watch out for urgent pleas that play on emotions.  As a defence strategy, practice your response.  It is not being rude to say no or use delay tactics such as requesting addition information in writing from the caller or hanging up.

If you didn't initiate the call, then first think scam and seek more information. Don't feel pressured to provide information over the phone or online. Credible organizations will always provide time to verify information.

For more information, please check out https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.