EMERGENCY: 911 | NON-EMERGENCY: 519-537-2323 | ADMINISTRATION: 519-421-2800 | CRIME STOPPERS: 519-421-8477
Fraud Prevention

Fraudulent Cheques

When accepting a cheque from a person you don't know, remember:
  • Do not let anyone rush you.
  • Insist upon cheques being endorsed in your presence and compare the signature with those presented on the identification that is used.
  • Always ask for PHOTO identification, such as an Ontario Drivers Licence, compare the photo and the person presenting the cheque. Write the Drivers Licence number on the back of the cheque.
  • You as the person accepting the cheque should initial the back of the cheque.
  • Do not accept a post dated cheque.
  • Do not HOLD a cheque to a certain date to be then cashed.
  • Do not accept unknown company cheques automatically.
People are under no obligation to accept cheques for payment. If you are not satisfied that the cheque is legitimate you do not have to accept it.

Credit Cards

When accepting a credit card for payment for a purchase:
  • Look at the name on the credit card and match the signature that should be on the rear of the card to the signature that you have requested on the receipt.
  • If you are suspicious you should - Ask for Photo Identification - Contact the credit card company for authorization, or to check on the status of the card.
  • Many thefts of credit cards go undetected by the rightful card holders until they are actually contacted by the credit card companies to enquire about their credit card purchases.
  • Contact the various credit card companies and ask for information about the various security features that are incorporated into the various cards.

Nigerian Frauds

Many individuals and companies in this area are receiving letters from groups that are based out of this African country. The letters often relate a story that a company or section of Government has an excess of money. The story goes on to state that for your assistance and a specific amount of money you can share in this excess.

Remember: As in all telemarketing scams, these letters sound very professional and business like. If you think it's too good to be true, it probably is!

Telemarketing Scams

A telephone call is received and you are told that you have won a prize or a monetary amount. The prize is often a car or some other expensive item, or a large sum of money. In order to claim your prize you are told that you are required to pay the shipping costs or send an amount of money to cover administration costs.

Example: A call is received and you are told that you have won a car. You are also informed at this time that the shipping cost will be $1,600.00. The caller usually will tell you that the prize will be delivered and the delivery date, as well as a phone number to call back for verification. When you send the money you never hear about the prize again! You are now out the money you have sent. When you call back for verification for the prizes you could be charged with a potential service charge for the call. This call which is added to your phone bill could end up costing you a substantial amount of money per minute.

These individuals are very professional sounding and are very believable.

Remember:
  • If you really have won a prize then it shouldn't cost you anything.
  • You should not have to send money in advance, at a callers request, to recover lost monies, receive an award, or cash settlement.
  • If you think it's too good to be true, it probably is!
  • You never win a prize to a contest that you never entered.
  • Don't let the joy of winning over come your common sense.
  • If you are required to call a number, look at the area code you are calling. Does it make sense you are asked to call back to a remote location?
If you receive a call and you are suspicious there are options available to you:
  • Call Phone Busters, a national Call Centre which is successfully combating Telemarketing Fraud at 1-888-495-8501
  • Call your Local Police Services and they will assist you or direct you to the proper contact agency.

Home Repair Frauds

Residents should exercise care and caution when dealing with unsolicited sales people at their door.
Recent frauds include Roofing, Driveways, Siding, Etc. Often Elderly Citizens are targeted by these unscrupulous individuals.

There are many variations of frauds involving home repair such as:

Overcharging: A person will contract to do work for a grossly exaggerated price. Sometimes the original estimate is reasonable, but additional "expenses" are encountered as work progresses.

Unnecessary Work: Persons make free inspections of roofs, chimneys etc, and find potential problems. The remedy though costly, will consist of pretended labour, and some kind of window dressing which will have the appearance of actual repairs.

It is possible to enlist the assistance of the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations in home repair frauds. They register companies and itinerant salespeople. The Consumer Protection Act demands under penalty that these salespeople be registered. The sale of goods or services in excess of $50.00 must have with it a written contract.

Persons could check with the Chamber Of Commerce / Better Business Bureau in regards to these suspicious individuals. Attempt to get addresses for these individuals instead of Just P.O. box numbers. If suspicious about these people try and obtain Licence Plate numbers.

Do not be rushed into signing a contract, or provide a down payment. If the sales person is pressuring you to sign or provide a substantial deposit, you should interpret that as a possible warning sign.

If unsure, ask for references and contact them, or call police.
 
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