Sault police warn of 'teddy bear program' scheme
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is issuing a warning about a phone scam in the area after reports of calls requesting money.
At least three people have received phone calls asking for money to support a police-sponsored Teddy Bear Program, but the program is not currently running, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service said in a news release Thursday morning.
Fortunately, no money was lost as all three potential victims declined the request.
"At no time will Sault Ste. Marie police contact people over the phone to request money," the agency said. "If someone contacts you requesting money while also asking you not to tell anyone, it is a sign something is not right. If you ever have any concerns about a potential scam or fraudulent activity, please contact police by calling 705-949-6300."
Police are reminding residents to not share personal information with anyone they don't know over the phone and there is no obligation to share information with others.
"Do not be shy about asking the person on the phone questions about why they are requesting money or personal information," police said. "If you have second thoughts, end the conversation. It is not rude, it is cautious. Protect yourself and your personal information at all times."
In the last week, two elderly women in Ontario have fallen prey to the "grandparent scam" where callers pretend to be family members in trouble with the law and needing money.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lack of detention space could force CBSA to release detainees, internal memo warns
The Canada Border Services Agency is scrambling to find space to hold high-risk detainees that are set to be transferred from provincial jails in June.
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
BREAKING Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Police make arrests in grandparent scam that defrauded victims out of $739K
Ontario Provincial Police say they have 'disrupted' an organized crime group that allegedly used an emergency grandparent scam to defraud seniors across Canada out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.