When police officers send warnings to citizens about fraud and scammers, they are very familiar with the problems they can cause innocent people.
Scammers are so daring they will even attempt to use the OPP to victimize people.
Sergeant Peter Leon, the provincial media relations coordinator, said in a recent press release the OPP is very proud to have a number of partnerships in place throughout Ontario that benefit communities policed by the OPP.
But recently, the Norfolk County OPP Detachment received a number of inquiries from residents asking about police related organizations calling to solicit funds for Teddy bears.
Leon said while many OPP officers are involved in worthy charities on their personal time, the OPP is advising the public that the organization does not solicit funds from the public for its Community Bear program – or any other OPP program.
The OPP’s Community Bear program is sponsored by Aviva Canada Inc.
Through the sponsorship, Aviva Canada Inc. provides officers with black and white Teddy bears that OPP officers give to traumatized children they encounter when they respond to incidents such as motor vehicle collisions.
The OPP is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls to solicit funds from the public.
For information on how to spot a scam and make sure to avoid becoming a victim, Leon urges citizens to visit www.opp.ca and click on Fraud Prevention on the Resources page.
For information on the OPP Community Bear program, go to www.opp.ca and click on Community Bear Program on the Resources page.
The public is also reminded that any concerns regarding aggressive or inappropriate conduct by persons attempting to solicit funds in any fashion can also be reported directly to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by dialing 1-888-495-8801 or through their website at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/index.html.
