ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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ORILLIA - The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to make people aware of a potential scam involving the impersonation of police.
On Dec. 5, 2018, police in Orillia were visited by a male from Montreal, Que. asking to meet with Senior Inspector Jones Rickshaw of the OPP. The male was promised a large sum of money if he first deposited over $500 into an American bank account and he wanted to meet in person before making the deposit.
As a result of his caution, the man learned that he had avoided being another victim of fraud as both the name and rank given were fictitious. A fake staff identification card had also been provided.
Many Canadians find themselves becoming scam victims, thanks to the excitement of a surprise win or to claim prizes from fake lotteries, contests or inheritances.
Phone calls, an e-mail, text messages and pop-up messages on your computer or laptop may make claims that the offer is legal and that there are relatively minor costs to claim the 'big' prize. By responding, you may lose everything you send to a scammer and - if you have provided other personal details - your identity information could be stolen to support other crimes.
Tips to help you recognize a lottery or prize scam.
- Never send money to anybody you don't know and trust.
- Don't provide personal banking details to anyone that you do not know and trust.
- Examine all of the terms and conditions of any offer very carefully. Claims of free or very cheap offers often have hidden costs. Calls to premium rate phone numbers or premium text messages can be very expensive.
- Ask yourself, "Did I willingly enter this contest?"
Members of the Orillia Detachment of the OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities.
If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit Crime Stoppers or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Suspected frauds should be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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