Woodstock Police Service say they have recently received multiple reports of frauds and scams including phone calls and online frauds/phishing emails. Police have also been made aware of scams related to the current COVID-19 pandemic; including personal protective equipment (PPE) products such as masks or cleaning/sanitizing agents, COVID-19 testing and treatment services and the new Emergency Response Benefit.

 

Fraudsters will take advantage of the uncertainty or fear of the public and quickly come up with new and innovative ways to scam money and personal information from people. Some fraudulent scams include calls, text messages and emails impersonating the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centre for Disease Control, and Service Canada.

 

Tips to Prevent Fraud

  • Do not click on links in text or emails from unknown senders – clicking links could automatically download malware used to steal browsing history, passwords and ID.
  • Look closely at the email address the message was sent from. Often fraudsters will create email addresses that look legitimate but have minor spelling mistakes.
  • Never provide personal or financial information to anyone including “verifying information” that a particular organization does or should already have.
  • If you do not know the caller or suspect it is a scam, hang up.
  • If you have been a victim of a scam (i.e. have lost money or provided personal information) notify police.

 

Visit https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm for additional information and resources regarding frauds and scams related to COVID-19.

 

The WOODSTOCK POLICE SERVICE would like to encourage anyone having information about these investigations or any other investigations, to contact the WOODSTOCK POLICE SERVICE at 519-537-2323 or Crime Stoppers 421-TIPS (8477) or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). 

 

Filed under: covid 19, scams, woodstock police