Police are urging residents to be cautious when answering automated calls with an “urgent” message.
In a June 13 press release, Wellington County OPP stated the Asian community in particular is being targeted with calls claiming to be the Beijing Police, Interpol, the Chinese Consulate or in some cases a delivery agency.
“There are different variations in the scam calls,” police stated. “They will involve a message that claims a letter or package in your name was intercepted, and implicates you in the fraud.”
For example, the message could state, “a suspicious package containing numerous bank cards has been stopped at customs and you are the subject of an investigation.”
The victim may also directed to a fake “police” website to verify their identity, which includes providing a copy of a passport.
In some cases, the fraudsters will also say the victim has fraudulent funds in their account and ask for banking information for verification.
“These calls can be very intimidating and threatening,” police say. “Please hang up and report the incident to your nearest police department or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Police are warning residents not to trust their call display, noting scammers may be using the word “police” to fool people.
The OPP also recommends people hang up if they receive an urgent call from someone stating they represent a company or a government agency seeking personal information.
“Call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book or on the company or government agency’s website to verify the authenticity of the request,” police suggest.
“Never give out personal information in response to unexpected calls.
“This includes account numbers, social insurance number (SIN), mother’s maiden name, passport information, passwords or any information about your identity.”
Anyone who suspects fraud can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
