City police warn of computer scam

North Bay Police Service
News Release

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North Bay residents have recently received computer requests for money from people who they believe are friends or well known people in the community.

It is a fraud.

It is alleged that the family is on vacation somewhere, and has been involved in a situation such as a mugging or some other catastrophe where they have been left with no funds and need to come home. They need you to send them cash that will be reimbursed as soon as they are back.

The perpetrators of this fraud obtain information and names from various internet sites such as, your friends on face book, local newspapers, municipal websites or a variety of others. They use this information to create a fictitious situation that will solicit your sympathy. They usually use Western Union for any transfers.

The North Bay Police wish to caution the public about this type of fraud. There are several variations but the circumstances are similar.

The following is a copy of the most recent fraudulent message.


Hello,

I'm so sorry to bother you, but we really need your help at the moment, my family and I had an urgent trip to Manila Philippines, for a short vacation, unfortunately we were mugged at the park of the hotel where we stayed, all cash, credit card and Mobile were all stolen from us, thank God no one was injured because we complied immediately and luckily for us we still have our passports with us.

We've been to the embassy and the Police here but they're not helping issues at all and our flight leaves in few hrs from now but we're having problems settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won't let us leave until we settle our bills, the amount needed right now is $1,500. Wondering if you can Loan me, I promise to refund it once I get back...let me know if you can help me out so I can give you the needed information to wire the money to me via western union money Transfer. Your assistance will be very much appreciated!

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