(WEST PARRY SOUND, ON) – On December 2, 2015 the West Parry Sound Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were advised that a resident of Carling Township believed he had been a victim of fraud. He was on his computer and received a pop-up survey where he could win an iPhone. He completed the survey and added his personal information and his credit card particulars. Days later his credit card statement shows he was charged $119 and he has a monthly teeth cleaning service which he was unaware that he was signing up for.
Every year thousands of Canadians are victimized and millions of dollars are lost through the many forms of fraud, according to members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch.
OPP would like to remind the public that there are many schemes being used to defraud the public and businesses. If you receive any unsolicited communication by any means asking for money to be given or that you won money, be cautious and suspicious. Never give out any personal, credit, or banking information to anyone over the phone, by letter, email, fax or any other means of communication. Often, the victims are presented with a situation that is either very serious and/or needs immediate attention and they feel pressured to provide the information requested on the spot. This is a tactic frequently used in scams.
If you suspect you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact your local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at https://www.tipsubmit.com/ .