The North Bay Police Service alerts the public that a letter (below) which is currently being sent by mail to North Bay residents is a scam.
The letter tells the recipient that they could receive unclaimed life insurance fees totalling $6.8 Million in US funds if they follow directions from a “J. Hamilton and Associates”, addressed from an alleged legal firm based in the United Kingdom.
To date, three residents have come in to police headquarters to submit copies of these letters that are addressed to their personal names and home addresses.
Police suggest if anyone has received a similar letter as described in the photo, do not send cheques, money orders or banking information.
How to report scams
It's not always easy to spot a scam, and new ones are invented every day. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which is based in North Bay, is the central agency in Canada that collects information and criminal intelligence on such matters as telemarketing fraud, advance fee fraud letters, Internet fraud and identification theft complaints. If you have been targeted, help the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by reporting the scam to them by telephone, toll-free, at 1-888-495-8501. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you’re a victim of fraud
If you have already sent funds to these fraudsters, contact your financial institution immediately. North Bay or Callander residents are then asked to contact the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 to report the incident. Others living outside our area are asked to contact their local police service.
View the letter below:
