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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
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.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.