HALDIMAND — Haldimand OPP is reminding the public to be vigilant and always verify information after a resident fell victim to an emergency scam in Haldimand County.
On November 3, 2022, the victim was contacted by an unknown person claiming to be an OPP officer. The unknown person told the victim that their son had been involved in a police related incident resulting in their son’s arrest and that they would have to pay $50,000 to avoid their son being held in custody.
Feeling their son was in serious trouble and needing help, the victim gave a large sum of money to an unknown female who acted as the “courier”.
The next day the same person acting as an officer contacted the victim seeking the balance.
It wasn’t until the actual son of the victim attended the residence that the victim realized they had been scammed. Police were able to intervene and as a result, the 18-year-old female “courier” was arrested, and no further funds were lost. There are still outstanding suspects in this global scale fraud.
When scammers use an “emergency” tactic, they play on the victim’s emotions by generating a sense of fear. It is imperative to verify any unsolicited contact before you respond and provide any information. Keep your guard up when you receive a surprise call from anyone soliciting funds and indicating that a loved one is in jail or have been involved in a serious incident. Contact your immediate family and inquire if anyone is in need of assistance. Do not forward any funds without speaking to family members first.
The OPP suggests that anyone with elderly family members have discussions with them about the different types of frauds and tactics and the preventative practices they can use every day.
The OPP encourages the public to stay educated and informed to reduce the risk of being a victim of fraud. Knowledge is power.
If you have been targeted by this fraud call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
The Little Black Book of Scams can be found online at
competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03074.html.
If you are the recipient of a fraudulent call, text, or email, or if you’ve been a victim of a fraud, you are encouraged to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or visiting antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
