Dufferin OPP are warning residents of some current fraud trends in the area.
A release from the service says fraudsters will use increasingly sophisticated tactics to target victims.
They say the fraudsters will often create a sense of urgency, fear, or emotional distress to obtain money or personal information.
Residents are reminded to never share personal or financial information with unknown callers or door to door sales people.
You’re reminded to verify the identity of callers, and take time to confirm any urgent requests for money.
Police and government agencies will never request payment in Bitcoin or gift cards.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Common Fraud Trends Include (FOR WEBSITE):
CANADA REVENUE AGENCY (CRA) SCAMS
The caller claims to be a CRA agent.
Victims are told they owe outstanding taxes or have issues with their Social Insurance Number.
The caller requests personal or financial information and may threaten arrest or legal action if immediate payment is not made.
BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION SCAMS
The suspect poses as a bank representative or investigator.
Victims may be asked to assist with a “fraud investigation.”
The caller instructs victims to withdraw funds and provide the money to them, sometimes arranging in-person pick-ups.
EMERGENCY (GRANDPARENT) SCAMS
The caller pretends to be a loved one in distress or a representative such as a police officer or lawyer.
Victims are told there is an urgent situation requiring immediate financial assistance.
Requests for money are often accompanied by instructions for secrecy.
ROMANCE SCAMS
Suspects use social media or dating platforms with fake profiles.
They build trust quickly and develop online relationships.
Victims are eventually asked to send money for fabricated emergencies or promises that never materialize.
CONTRACTOR SCAMS
Requests for large upfront deposits.
Refusal to obtain proper permits or provide written contracts.
Excuses for delays accompanied by demands for additional funds.
Offers of “leftover materials” or deals that seem too good to be true.
CRYPTOCURRENCY / BITCOIN SCAMS
Fraudsters demand payment through Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
Victims may be directed to use Bitcoin ATMs to send funds.
These scams are often linked to CRA, bank, or emergency scams, where victims are told this is the only way to make payment.
Once sent, cryptocurrency transactions are extremely difficult to trace or recover.
ONLINE MARKETPLACE AND TEXT MESSAGE SCAMS (EMERGING TRENDS)
Fraudulent listings or buyers on online marketplaces.
Phishing text messages claiming to be from delivery companies, banks, or government agencies.
Links designed to steal personal or financial information.