A recent report of fraud in the area has North Bay Police Service offering up tips to protect yourself.
Police say to not trust call display as it could read police, Canadian Security Intelligence Service or Canadian Border Service Agency, but in reality, it could be a scammer. If the person asks for personal information, hang up and call the number on your account statement or on the government’s website, never the number they supply you.
Another tip officers say can help is to never provide personal information such as a SIN number, account numbers, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls. In most cases, the caller will tell you it is an emergency situation to make you feel nervous and act quickly, but time is on your side.
On Wednesday, police say the victim was contacted by telephone, with call display stating it was the ‘Canadian Border Service Agency’ and ‘Canadian Security Intelligence Service’ on the other end. She was told she needed legal counsel as her identity had been compromised.
Officers say the caller told her to send money through bitcoin to cover the legal fees. In total, she sent $4,600 through bitcoin according to police. The victim then contacted police realizing it may be a fraud.
Officials add with tax season starting, expect an increase in this type of fraud through telephone, text or email. If you suspect fraud, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
