The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want to remind the public about the many schemes being used to defraud the public and businesses.

If you receive any unsolicited communication asking for money or that you won money, be careful and suspicious. You must never give any personal, or banking information over the phone, by letter, email, fax or any other means of communication that is not in person. Victims are commonly presented with a situation that appears to be very serious and they feel pressured to provide the information requested on the spot.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Scam – The CBSA warns citizens about ongoing email, text messages or telephone scams in which people are are pretending to be from the CBSA. The scammers are asking for personal information, including SIN. The methods used by the scammers are always different but always designed to lure the public into providing personal information. The scams use false CBSA information and telephone calls may display numbers or employee names from the CBSA. Emails often have CBSA logos, similar email addresses, or employee names to trick the victims. The CBSA want to remind citizens that they never ask for SIN and or banking information by telephone or email.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Scam – criminals gain victims money through fraudulent communication that appears to be CRA. The scammers request personal information such as a SIN number, credit card number, bank account number, or passport number. The scammers make inaccurate claims about victims owing money and often say there is a harsh punishment if they don’t pay immediately – the scammers tend to be very aggressive.

COVID Scam – The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) have reports of a text message scam connected to COVID-19 vaccines. The text message appears to be from the Ministry of Health and often say that your third COVID-19 vaccine has been scheduled. The text message has a malicious link that asks you to download software that contains malware. Malware infects the phone and creates a high risk for identity fraud by exposing the person’s personal information, banking details, and online account credentials. Please be advised to not click on the link.

Any legitimate agency will NEVER demand payment by Interac e-transfer, cryptocurrencies, or pre-paid credit cards. Scammers will often ask to purchase large denomination gift cards as a form of payment. This article was originally sourced by Sault Online.

If you believe that someone is posing as a fraudster on the phone, hang up. Also, you can file a complaint through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. If you are a victim of a fraud or scam, contact your local police agency.

If you receive one of the aforementioned phone calls or a call of similar nature, hang up. You can also file a complaint by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. If you believe you are a victim of a fraud or scam, contact your local police agency.