(THAMES CENTRE, ON) – Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging citizens to beware of a common phone scam and to verify all information before sending any money when requested by telephone or email.
On October 3, 2013 a female in her 80’s received numerous telephone calls from a male posing as a relative. The female was told the caller was in jail and needed bail money quickly. She received subsequent phone calls from a “lawyer†representing the accused. The “lawyer†directed the female to wire $1565.00 via Western Union to an address in Quebec. The intended victim recognized the request was odd and contacted police. She did not send the money.
Police continue to receive reports of similar incidents. Unfortunately, not all intended victims recognize the fraud and end up sending money. It can be extremely difficult to trace where the money has gone and often times the victim never sees their money again.
The public are encouraged to take their time and check the facts before sending money through a wire transfer service. Suspects will use desperation and target those that are most vulnerable. If you receive a request for money by telephone or email, let a trusted person know. Make sure the situation is real. If you are in doubt, contact police and do not send the money until all the information has been verified.
For more information on how to protect yourself, you can visit the OPP website at www.opp.ca or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at [email protected].