The Halton Regional Police are alerting citizens about several telephone scams operating in the region. Over the past few weeks, residents reported receiving fraudulent calls.
If you do what the caller asks, you will lose your money. Don't be a victim.
Four typical telephone scams:
Scam #1: Canadian Revenue Agency Demand
The caller claims you owe the C.R.A. (Canadian Revenue Agency) taxes. In some cases, they threaten that a warrant will be issued for your arrest if you do not pay immediately.
They tell you to pay using gift cards that are untraceable (Amazon, iTunes, Google Play).
You buy a large number of gift cards and give the caller the personal identification number (PIN) or verification number.
Result: They steal your money.
Scam #2: Investigation of Bank Fraud
The caller asks for aid to investigate an internal fraud between your bank and another retail store. For your help you could earn up to $500.00.
They tell you to buy a large number of gift cards (Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Wal-Mart) and call them back with the PIN.
They tell you where to buy the gift cards and caution you not to disclose the reason. Sometimes they direct you to say the cards are gifts for your children or grandchildren.
The caller may also gain remote access to your computer (online banking). This can result in you loosing all your money.
The promised deposit appears in your banking account; however, it is transferred from your line of credit/savings unbeknownst to you.
Result: They steal your money.
Scam #3: Credit Card Compromised
The caller tells you that one of your credit cards has been compromised. The caller indicates they will deposit a large sum of money into your account (larger than what you are alleged to have lost), however, you are asked to transfer back a portion of the money.
The caller may get remote access to your computer (online banking). This is serious. You could lose your life savings.
The promised deposit appears in your daily checking/saving's account; however, with out your knowledge they transfer the money out of your line of credit/savings.
Result: They steal your money.
Scam #4: Protecting Family
The caller claims to be the police or other law enforcement agency, or a lawyer representing a loved one (they will often use a grandchild and elicit a promise "not to tell" anyone). The caller directs you to pay using a money transfer.
The caller often asks for thousands of dollars to "post bail" for your loved one.
Result: They steal your money
Older adults are often the target of this scam because they want to help their grandchild.
IMPORTANT
No government agency, financial institution or legitimate business:
- Asks you to make payment in gift cards, money transfers or wires
- Gives you money and asks for partial reimbursement
- Asks you to help them in an internal fraud or similar style investigation
No law enforcement agency, bailiff or lawyer:
- Asks for a wire transfer for bail money
How to respond to a fraudulent call
If you suspect you have been contacted by a scam, hang up immediately.
If you are ever in doubt, please contact the Halton Regional Police for help at (905) 825-4777. Please safeguard yourself and your loved ones by discussing these scams and what to do when a call like this is received.