Over $100k lost to scammers
(PETAWAWA, ON) – The Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is currently investigating an incident of fraud that saw an elderly Petawawa couple lose more than $100,000 to scammers between August 2021 and February 2022.
The victims were initially contacted by phone by a scammer posing as a law enforcement official. The suspect advised the victims that their credit cards had been compromised and used fraudulently – which was confirmed to be true. The victims were told that as a result, their other bank accounts were at risk and that their money need to be moved for safekeeping. The victims then allowed the scammer to access their computer and online banking which allowed them to access the victim’s money. The victims also sent thousands in cash and by electronic means to locations in Canada, Europe and India. The victims also sent personal information to the suspect(s) including void cheques and photos of a driver’s license. Several months into the scam the victims asked for their money back. When it wasn’t returned they realized they had been victimized and reported the matter to the police. The incident remains under investigation.
The UOV OPP would like all residents to be wary of unsolicited calls from those claiming to be from a financial institution, credit card company, or law enforcement agency with messaging that their credit card and/or banking information has been compromised. The scammers create a sense of urgency and then often ask for the caller to confirm their credit card number, personal information, and/or send money for various reasons.
The OPP would like to remind everyone to verify the legitimacy of any caller before providing any personal information over the phone and to avoid allowing third-party access to your computer.
If a scam artist contacts you or if you have been defrauded contact your local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website at www.antifraudcentre.ca
