Just as the OPP are doing a March campaign to prevent fraud, a county resident nearly became a victim of a scam.
Recently a Puslinch resident contacted Wellington County OPP about an attempted fraud after placing an online advertisement for an apartment to rent, using Kijiji.
OPP Constable Bob Bortolato reported that a response was received from a person claiming to reside in another country and looking to move to the area for employment reasons. Payment for the first and last month rent was arranged and a money order was sent for double the amount by the perpetrator.
The two corresponded again via the internet about the amount of the money order being incorrect and the victim learned it was to be cashed, with the difference sent back to the fraudster. A bank teller advised the victim the money order was fraudulent and prevented the scam.
Bortolato said in order to avoid overpayment scams, remember the following general words of advice:
– know who you are dealing with;
– independently confirm names, street address, and telephone number;
– never accept a cheque for more than the agreed price;
– never agree to wire back funds to anyone because a legitimate client will not apply pressure to do so;
– if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is;
– if in doubt, ask the advice of a close friend or relative, or even the local banker.
Contact local police to report it.
More information on the various frauds can be found at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
