(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment is investigating a several frauds after being contacted by various concerned residents of Norfolk County, Ontario.
Between Monday, January 12, 2015 and Wednesday, January 28, 2015, an unknown male responded to several ads that were placed on various media websites by residents offering child day care services.
Through the course of investigation it has been determined that an unknown male responded to the ads for child care and begins to exchange emails regarding the services that were being offered. The male would use several excuses indicating that their child was either sick, away on vacation in Mexico or unable to return home and could not attend in person to speak to the day care provider. A price was negotiated and the male indicated that a cheque for approximately $700 dollars was being sent in order to secure a spot for their child.
Once the cheques arrived they were made out for approximately $2,700 to $2,900 dollars. The suspect then exchanged another email stating that their accountant had made a mistake and to cash the cheque and forward the remainder of the funds through a money transfer service to an unspecified address.
Unfortunately, once the cheque is deposited, the bank transaction results in a fraudulent deposit and the account holders are held responsible for the amount overdrawn.
The OPP are advising the public NOT to wire unknown persons, business or locations any amount of money. If anyone has received this type of correspondence or if you are unsure, consult with a banking institution or a trusted resource first before entering into such a transaction.
If you have received this type of correspondence, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca.