Northern Ont. police say residents are being targeted by online and telephone crypto scams
There has been a surge in online and telephone fraud attempts in northern Ontario, provincial police said in a recent news release.
Provincial police say there has been a surge in online and telephone fraud attempts in northern Ontario recently. A man uses a computer keyboard in Toronto in this Sunday, Oct. 9, 2023 photo illustration. (Graeme Roy/The Canadian Press)
On Friday, the West Parry Sound Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said, in a news release, that it is investigating multiple frauds that have occurred over the past month.
“Over the last 30 days members of the West Parry Sound OPP have responded to 12 calls for service regarding frauds and scams with losses totaling over $100,000,” said police.
OPP officials said several of the fraud cases center around investing in cryptocurrency.
Protect yourself
Police offered the following tips to help protect yourself:
- CRA or government offices will never request payments in cryptocurrency or prepaid gift cards.
- Hang up if anyone is using abusive language and/or threatening you with immediate arrest if you do not comply with demands for payment.
- Do not give out personal information.
- Hang up on any phone calls if there is anything suspicious.
- Do not be afraid to say no.
- Protect your online accounts.
- Always do your research.
A undated file photo of a cordless phone. (CTV News)
Police advise that if you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or your nearest police authority.
For more information on how to protect yourself against common scams, visit www.antifraudcentre.ca.
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