If it sounds fishy, it likely is. The Stratford Police Service says they are receiving reports almost daily of residents falling victim to fraud and scams.
Yesterday police had three calls from three different victims who had lost money to three different scams. The first victim lost several thousand dollars to a “Romance Scam.” The second lost several hundred to the Canada Revenue fraud after buying iTunes cards and the third paid for a dog on Kijiji but when she arrived in Stratford realized the address and the dog did not exist.
The Stratford Police Service reminds you to be vigilant and protect yourself. Here are several steps that can be taken to protect yourself:
– Be skeptical! If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is
– Take your time making a decision. Scammers will try to intimidate you into giving them money. Slow down, talk to someone and do some research before you make a decision
– Remember that your bank or the government will never call you to ask you for money or to provide your personal information, nor will any legitimate business ask you to pay by way of gift card or pre-paid credit card
– Don’t pay upfront for an item you have yet to see in person – Spot imposters! Scammers will pretend to be someone you know. Never send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request.
– Never deposit a cheque and wire money back to someone or give them access to your bank account – Avoid giving money to someone you have only met online
– Don’t suffer in silence! Report all incidents to the police or to the Canada AntiFraud Centre to help prevent others from being victimized
