COBOURG (April 23, 2026) – Cobourg Police Service is reminding the public to be aware of fraud involving gift cards and impersonation on social media platforms, following a recent incident in which a resident was targeted through an online group.
In the most recent scam, a 71-year-old woman reported being contacted on social media by an individual claiming to be associated with a television show after she commented on a fan page for the program. The scammer offered a “VIP membership” in exchange for payment through gift card codes. The victim was defrauded out of $1,200. The victim was later contacted again and advised she could attend the TV set if she deposited the cheque, they sent into her bank account and forwarded the funds. When she attended her financial institution, bank staff recognized the signs of a scam and intervened. The victim had no verifiable contact information for the individual, and all communication occurred exclusively through social media.
Cobourg Police Service is reminding residents that legitimate organizations and businesses will never request payment in gift cards, nor will they ask individuals to deposit cheques on their behalf.
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages on social media, even if they appear to come from well-known individuals, celebrities, or organizations
- Scammers commonly use gift cards or cryptocurrency because they are difficult to trace and cannot be recovered
- Never send money, gift card codes, or cryptocurrency to someone you have only interacted with online
- Do not deposit cheques or forward funds at the request of someone else
- If an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is
- Talk to a trusted family member, friend, or financial institution before sending money
Fraudsters rely on pressure and secrecy. Police encourage residents to slow down, ask questions, and report suspicious activity.
Anyone who believes they may be the target of a scam, or who has received suspicious online communications, is encouraged to contact Cobourg Police Service or report the incident to the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre at 1‑888‑495‑8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.