(WEST PARRY SOUND, ON) – The West Parry Sound Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) receives complaints of phone and online scams on a regular basis. The scams have many different approaches, however the goal of the scammers are generally the same…to steal your money! Victims are pressured to send money to secure prize money, provide personal information, banking information, remote access to their computers or to make instant decisions about investments or purchases. This allows the scammer to commit theft by accessing bank accounts, investments, or fraudulently using credit cards.
On October 31, 2015 the West Parry Sound Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were notified of a successful fraud as a result of a Facebook Prize scam. The victim was notified by instant message from someone claiming to be an employee of “Facebook International” that he was selected as the $500,000 prize winner. In order to secure his prize he needed to send $250 via Western Union to Desmond OLA in Lagos, Nigeria. The next day the victim was asked to send an additional $700 via Western Union due to some convoluted issue with the original payment. The following day, the victim received another message asking for another $900 via Western Union due to a terrible accident. Suspecting that he was being scammed the victim notified police.
The tactics used by fraudsters are as diverse as the victims they target. Guard against becoming a victim BEFORE providing money or credit card information.
For more information about the many types of fraud and what to watch for, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by phone at 1-888-495-8501 or on the web at www.antifraudcentre.ca or www.phonebusters.com/english/home-eng.html
You can also check the helpful Crime Prevention Tip Sheets at www.opp.ca .