Frauds and scams come in many forms — online, over the phone, through the mail, door-to-door, or by text message. Criminals use deception and urgency to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money.
The Woodstock Police Service encourages residents to stay alert and informed to protect themselves and others.
If You Are a Victim
If you have lost money or shared personal information, report it immediately by calling the Woodstock Police Service non-emergency line at (519) 537-2323 ext. 9.
If you only wish to report a scam or provide information, you can file a report directly with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC):
Common Prevention Tips
- Never feel pressured to share personal or financial information through unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or visits.
- Take your time — you have the right to verify legitimacy before responding.
- If something seems suspicious, hang up, delete the email, or close the door.
- Avoid giving out personal information that could lead to identity theft. Learn more at How to Prevent Identity Theft.
- If in doubt, contact the Woodstock Police Service or your bank directly for advice.
- Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Be Wary of Urgent or Threatening Messages
- Fraudsters often claim there is an emergency, legal issue, or urgent payment due to pressure victims into acting quickly.
- Always take time to research and confirm legitimacy before responding or sending money.
Do Not Pay with Gift Cards or Cryptocurrency
Be extremely cautious of anyone — including those claiming to be from government agencies or law enforcement — asking for payment through:
- iTunes or other gift cards
- Bitcoin or cryptocurrency
These payment methods are nearly impossible to trace or recover.
No legitimate government agency or police service will ever demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or email transfer.
Charity and Donation Scams
- If you are contacted to donate to a charity and are unsure if it’s legitimate:
- Do not feel pressured into donating immediately.
- Verify the charity through the Canada Revenue Agency’s Registered Charities List at Search Canada’s List of Charities.
- If it’s a well-known charity, use official contact information (not the one provided by the solicitor) to confirm the request.
Telephone and Caller ID Scams
Do not trust Caller ID — scammers can fake phone numbers through Caller ID Spoofing, making it appear as though they are calling from a trusted organization such as a police department, bank, or government agency. Learn more at CRTC – Caller ID Spoofing.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number.
Common Frauds and Scams
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) collects and shares up-to-date information on frauds and scams across Canada.
Visit these resources to stay informed and protect yourself:
Please share this information with friends, family, and neighbours — awareness is the best defence against fraud.