OPP warning locals to beware of romance, grandparent scams

East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police are issuing a warning about common scams circulating in our area.

They say people, including those running businesses, should be suspicious of any unsolicited communication asking for money.

Common schemes include romance scams where a fraudster builds trust through an online relationship.

“This can occur through email messages, phone calls, and fake profiles on social media and dating sites,” described OPP in a news release. 

“Eventually, the scammer may ask you for money for travel, a medical emergency or family assistance - making it seem urgent or like an emergency. “

OPP say these fraudsters know how to use technology to their advantage, helping them convince a victim that their requests are legitimate.

Police say to look out for these red flags:

• When someone you haven't met in person expresses their love to you
• If the person wants to quickly move to a private or different mode of communication (email, text, Whatsapp, Google Hangouts etc.)
• If they always have an excuse not to meet in person
• If you receive poorly/oddly written messages, sometimes even addressing you by the wrong name
• If the individual claims to live close to you but is working overseas
• If they act distressed or angry to guilt you into sending money
• If the individual discourages you from discussing them or their situation with your friends and family (attempting to isolate you from those who may be suspicious of the relationship)

Grandparent scams, also called emergency scams, often target seniors. A fraudster will claim a grandchild or loved one was in an accident or arrested.

“Fraudsters will claim that they are law enforcement officials, lawyers and even impersonate the grandchild/loved one,” OPP stated. “They'll proceed to advise the victim that a payment for bail or fine is required immediately in order for the family member to avoid going to jail.”

Victims have also reported receiving an email from someone in their contact list asking for gift cards because they’ve lost their wallet or they are sick.

“In some cases, the sender's email account has been compromised or contact list has been obtained by the fraudsters,” police said.

OPP say the following these steps can help you protect yourself:

• If you receive a suspicious phone call claiming to be from a family member in an emergency situation, hang up the phone and contact them directly on the number you have in your contact list
• If the caller claims to be a law enforcement official and asked you to pay a fine or bail, hang up and call your police directly
• Listen to that inner voice that is screaming at you: "This doesn't sound right".
• Be careful what you post online. Scammers can use details shared on social media platforms and dating sites for targeting purposes. Suspects can easily gather names and details about your loved ones
• Be suspicious of telephone calls that require you to immediately take action and request bail money for a family member in distress
• Be careful with caller ID numbers that look familiar. Scammers use technology to disguise the actual number they are calling from (spoof) and make it appear as a trusted phone number
• If you receive an email or text message claiming to be from a friend or loved one asking for money, make the outgoing call to the person by looking up the legitimate phone number you have for them in your contact list.
• Use unique and strong passwords for all social media and email accounts.

Police say legitimate agencies never ask for a payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency such as bitcoin, or by pre-paid credit cards and pre-paid gift cards like Google Play, iTunes or Vanilla.

Scammers also sometimes ask for cash to be sent, but hidden inside pages of a book that is boxed up and wrapped in an excessive amount of packing tape.

 "Awareness is key when it comes to recognizing frauds and scams,” said OPP Community Safety Officer Phil Young. “There are so many types out there but the better educated the public are, the less chance they have to fall victim to these ruthless scammers.”

“Don't keep it a secret - talk to a friend, family member, neighbour, or police before making any decisions to send money to people you don't know."

Scams can be reported through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm