(KINCARDINE, ON.) – With Spring upon us the OPP is warning all area residents, especially SENIORS and senior caregivers to be on the look out for Fraudsters. This is the time of year that they come out of the woodwork in droves. Already this year, we have seen several scams against the elderly by fraudsters posing as Water Purification Experts, ripping the victims for hundreds of dollars.
Fly-by-night Home Repair or Maintenance fraudsters run amuck this time of year targeting victims, especially the elderly, selling products or services that are of little to no value to the client. They are often very pushy and rude and prey on those who are weak or living alone.
OPP SOLUTIONS TO PREVENT FRAUD
1. Always get at least 3 quotes on any project around the house regardless of the service or product being purchased / sold.
2. Never sign a contract without checking the credibility of the company or person selling the product or service.
3. Elderly persons or those with little business experience should never sign a contract without running it by a trusted family member, friend or neighbour.
4. Never fully open or unlock your door to anyone you don’t know. Talk through a locked or secured door if you don’t know their identity. If you don’t want them at your door tell them to “go awayâ€. If they don’t, call police.
5. Report suspicious persons or activity to police immediately.
There is no magic to preventing fraud. If something sounds too good to be true or seems a little “weird†it probably is. Trust your instincts, not the stranger at your door!
Anyone having information that can assist Police with investigations is asked to call South Bruce OPP at 519-396-3341 (Kincardine), 519-881-3130 (Walkerton) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 -TIPS (8477). OPP Dispatch – 1-888-310-1122