Nottawasaga OPP is warning people about an increasing amount of fraud in the area.
Authorities say they would like those in the community to protect themselves from falling victim.
They say in most of these cases, the would-be victims realized that it was a scam and didn’t complete the transaction.
Police believe even informed individuals can fall prey to these scammers because these professional criminals have “the gift of the gab” and can be very convincing.
OPP have some tips for people to protect themselves;
•Do not give credit card or personal information out over the phone, internet or text;
•Be suspicious:
•If someone sends you too much money for an item you have for sale;
•If the person who wants to buy your item lives far away;
•If someone offers you something for free or a really good deal;
•If someone requests gift cards or Crypto Currency (Bitcoins) as payment. *The government and reputable companies don’t ask for these methods of payment;
•If they ask you to send money through Western Union; and
•If they contact you through e-mail.
•Companies such as Apple, Microsoft or other big computer companies won’t contact you to let you know your computer is compromised.
•Be on alert if you are asked for money, credit card information, access to your computer or personal information.
•If asked for something you wouldn’t readily give to a stranger, hang up the phone and call the company’s number provided to you by a verified source.
If you, or somebody you know, has been a victim of a fraud police want you to contact them or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.