Some old scams are resurfacing in North Bay.
Over the past few days, police have received a number of reports from people who have received calls to land lines or mobile phones from fraudsters involved in a number of different scam types. North Bay police have warned residents of the following four scams in the past. However, the culprits appear to be very active at this time. You are reminded to be vigilant.
1. Tax Scam
Residents are reminded that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will only send payments by direct deposit or by cheque. The CRA never sends payments by INTERAC e-transfer.
Simply hang up if you receive a phone call or an email from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency who:
• Asks you for personal information such as your social insurance number, credit card number, bank account information, or passport numbers; and/or
• Asks you to pay outstanding taxes by a money transfer or pre-paid debit or credit cards; and/or
• Tells you they have a refund or benefit payment for you but in order for you to receive the person on the call asks you for your personal information.
This tax scam is also happening by mail, email, and text
Don’t fall victim to these scams! Visit the Canada Revenue Agency’s website for examples of a fraudulent letter, fraudulent emails, fraudulent text messages and fraudulent online refund forms
2. “Credit Card Compromised” Scam
A fraudster calls claiming to be from your bank or your credit card company to say that your credit card has been compromised. The caller then asks you to log onto your computer and walks you through a number of steps claiming this will help resolve the problem.
By following the fraudster’s instructions you may fall victim to an online banking scam.
Police warn to be cautious of any phone call, email or other request which you receive that wants you to take an immediate action, particularly if that action involves giving out your confidential personal or financial information.
3. “You’ve won a free trip!” Scam!
Someone calls you from what looks like a local telephone number to say you’ve won a free trip or a hotel stay but you’ve never entered a contest. The fraudster then asks for personal information and banking information. Be warned. This is a scam! Never give personal information or banking information to unsolicited callers.
4. Computer Scam!
A fraudster calls from what looks like a local phone number, claiming to be from a computer company and trying to fix your personal computer. The fraudster then asks to get access to your computer, proceeds to erase your valuable data, and then asks for payment to fix the problem. Be warned. This is a scam! Never give unsolicited callers access to your computer.
Do not be fooled by call display
Today’s telephone technology can allow a caller to block their identity and telephone number from being displayed. With special equipment, fraudsters can also display a telephone number with a completely different name or number, even one that belongs to a legitimate company.
Don’t fall victim to a scam. Never give out personal information or banking information or provide access to your computer from unsolicited callers.
Simply hang up!
