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Grey Bruce OPP are warning everyone to stay safe when it comes to telephone and internet scams.
Police received five separate reports of fraud between August 16th and 17th, and the alleged crimes ranged from a grandparent scam, to a person thinking they were investing in an Elon Musk business venture, to a case of identity theft where a person had taken out a loan in the victim’s name.
Community Services and Media Officer for the Grey Bruce OPP Police Constable Krista Linthorne says that although anyone can be the victim of fraud, it is also preventable.
“My recommendation is to do your research before investing in any type of a business or Bitcoin, and know what you’re doing, and not just relying on someone that’s on the internet or over the telephone.”
In the event that someone does get defrauded out of money, there are steps that they can take.
“I would initially call your bank, so that they can get your bank accounts cancelled or put on hold, [and] your credit or debit cards can be then put on hold or cancelled,” says Linthorne.
In order to stay safe, she says that it’s best not to get swept up if someone is trying to pressure you into giving them money, as things like grandparent scams typically play on someone’s sense of urgency.
“Never let anyone pressure you into acting immediately. Take your time, because you’re in control of what you give to people. Even if they give you a phone call, don’t just give out your information.”
Linthorne also advises that government organizations such as the Canada Revenue Agency, the OPP, and the RCMP will never contact you by phone and demand money for any reason.
If you feel as though you’re the victim of a scam, you can contact any of the following: