“Less than reputable people will always continue to think up new and inventive ways to get take your money,” according to a press release from the Wellington County OPP.
The release continues, “Whether it’s a door-to-door solicitor, or being done over the phone, you have the right to say no. Don’t get pressured into giving up your hard earned money; hang up the phone or close the door.”
Wellington County OPP officials said they would like to remind residents to be cautious with anyone soliciting for charity door to door, or asking for money over the phone.
One agency that tracks these types of scams and assists police with investigations is the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre (www.anti-fraudbusters.ca, 1-888-495-8501 or email at info@antifraudcentre.ca). It was established in 1993 and is jointly operated by the RCMP, OPP and the Competition Bureau Canada. The centre is a national call centre where victims can report fraud complaints, with the information used to assist in investigations.
“Basically it all boils down to the same thing, use caution when giving money,” police say. “Slow down and make some calls to check or verify the story that you may have been told. Don’t become a victim of the scam.”
