SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY – The South Bruce OPP is asking residents to be cautious of cons and scams after receiving reports on a “money for bail” scam being attempted in the detachment area.
In a release, police explain the scam is conducted by phone and the con artist tells you they are a police constable. The scammer, posing as a police officer, calls to notify you that someone you know is in custody and bail has been set. When you get the money, the “bail” will be collected by an unmarked courier.
The OPP does not collect bail money, nor do they contact you to arrange for the bail payment.
“Modern, tech-savvy scammers have the ability to create very convincing scams. They won’t hesitate to use the name of a legitimate company in an effort to gain your trust and trick you into paying them,” states the release.
Police say you should always be cautious with unsolicited email, phone calls, letters, even visitors at your door.
“Always be certain who you are dealing with before you ever consider sending money or sharing personal information,” states the release.
“You work hard for your money, so work just as hard to protect it. Don’t pay the con artist.”
The Little Black Book of Scams can be found online: https://www.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 have 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 visit http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
