(POWASSAN, ON) – Powassan Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has been informed of at least two people in the Powassan area receiving phone calls on October 28, 2015, from people who are saying that they work for a local bank and are calling because they have noticed some fraudulent action on their accounts.
Fraudsters use various tricks and scams to prey on the public. Often, the victims are presented with a situation that is either very serious and/or needs immediate attention.
Warning sign(s) – How to protect yourself
Do not comply with the caller’s request immediately. Ask yourself why your bank would be asking for personal information over the phone or e-mail that they likely already have on file. Verify the caller’s information by hanging up and calling your bank yourself.
Any person with information regarding the person (s) responsible for this fraud should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or (705)746-4225.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
The OPP reminds all members of the public to be aware of their personal safety at all times. If you suspect a possible fraud, contact your bank branch for further information. You can also visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
