(KIRKLAND LAKE, ON.) – Members of the Kirkland Lake Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating an attempted fraud. The incident occurred on November 4, 2013 in Kirkland Lake. The complainant received a phone call from a person who identified himself as a lawyer of a family member who had been arrested and needed money for bail. The complainant was in the process of forwarding the money when a third party found the request suspicious and recommended police should be called. The complainant took the advice and contacted police. Further investigation confirmed this to be a scam targeting mostly elderly people.
There are many schemes being used to defraud the public. Do not divulge any personal, credit or banking information to anyone over the phone, by letter, fax, e-mail or the internet. It’s not always easy to spot scams, and new ones are invented every day. If you suspect that you may be a target of fraud, or if you have already sent funds, don’t be embarrassed – you’re not alone. Report the fraud to police and if you need more information contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
Remember, you can stop Phone Fraud – Hang Up.