(HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Haldimand County Detachment is reminding the public to be vigilant after a resident was scammed and lost $6,000 in Dunnville, Haldimand County, ON.
On Wednesday December 16, 2020 at 12:52 p.m., OPP received a report of a fraud from a Dunnville resident.
Through investigation, OPP learned that the resident received a call from an unknown person claiming to be a representative for Hydro One. The call display on the victim’s phone also came up as Hydro One. The victim was directed by the unknown person to forward payment of $2,000 from a Bitcoin Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or their electricity supply would be turned off.
After further discussions, the victim was told there was a problem with the account and they would need to send another $4,000.
The victim had sent approximately $6,000 via Bitcoin. When the victim searched for the Hydro One number and called they were told the calls they received were a scam.
OPP is reminding the public to be aware of the warning signs, never give out any personal information to someone you don’t know, and always verify all contact information and not just call a number or email that some unknown person provides you with. The name on the caller display may be fraudulent. Give yourself some time to complete your own search.
Scammers will often attempt to make people have a sense of fear or urgency so victims will act quickly without thinking things completely through. Don’t fall for it. Legitimate companies will not threaten customers.
To learn about ways to protect yourself from scams and frauds, the OPP encourages community members to stay educated on fraud prevention.
