POLICE WARNING COMMUNITY TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM SCAMS The Brantford Police Service has received several concerning reports in regards to scams and wish to remind everyone of the importance of fraud education and protecting oneself from becoming a victim. The first report was received from a Brantford woman who contacted the Brantford Police Service to report that she was a victim of a fraud. The victim advised that she had placed an advertisement through the website Kijiji requesting information on rental properties in Florida. She was contacted by a male who advised that he had a rental property available. A rental agreement was forwarded to the victim and the suspect requested she send the funds via a money order. Once the money order was sent, the suspect discontinued any contact with the victim. The victim became suspicious so she contacted the address of the rental property. She was advised by the property owners, that the unit number she was to rent, did not in fact exist. Investigation is continuing. The second report was received from a Brantford woman who contacted the Brantford Police Service to report that she was a victim of a fraud. The victim advised that she responded to an online advertisement through the website Kijiji for two concert tickets. The suspect requested that the victim send payment for the concert tickets through the website Ukash, which is an online cash payment provider. The victim forwarded the payment and provided a confirmation email to the suspect. The suspect then responded with an email stating that there would be no tickets sent to the victim, advising the victim that they had been scammed. Investigation is continuing. The third report was received from a Brantford man who contacted the Brantford Police Service to report that he was a victim of a fraud. The victim advised that he had responded to an online advertisement through the website autocatch in regards to a 2005 Ford F150 Pick-up truck. The suspect advised that they had just gone through a divorce and that although they are a former resident of Canada, they had recently moved to London, United Kingdom. They further advised that the truck had been left to them in the settlement, but they do not have anyone to help them with the sale, which is why they listed it online. The suspect requested that the money transfer be sent through the website eBay, who would hold the money until the victim had a chance to inspect the vehicle. The suspect then emailed the victim what appeared to be a direct contact representative from eBay United Kingdom and provided an account number and bank code to wire the money to. The victim then attended his bank and wired the money to the account number provided. Investigation is continuing. Some Tips to Avoid Being Scammed: *If it seems too good to be true; it most likely is! *Never give out personal information/credit card information to an unknown source over the telephone and/or unsecured email * You can stop a telephone scam by hanging up *When contacted about your personal accounts never click on a web link attached to the email to ‘verify’ or confirm’ *Be careful of anyone claiming to be out of country *Be careful of anyone you do not know who is asking you to wire money – it is often not legitimate *Ask potential rental properties for references of previous renters *Confirm with family members or your bank before transferring any funds *Only purchase items from reputable websites *Never agree to give cash to anyone unknown to you in exchange for a cheque written to you by that individual *Report suspicious activity to police, to protect others from being caught in a scam *If you have been targeted by fraud, don’t be embarrassed, you are not alone. Report the incident to police. Educate yourself by visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website at antifraudcentre.ca If you have already sent funds and/or your personal information contact the police and your financial institution immediately. If you believe that you have been a VICTIM OF FRAUD and reside in the City of Brantford, contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. “Engaged Communities Prevent Crime”
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 22:01:32 +0000
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