South Bruce OPP say they have seen an unfortunate rise in fraud reports in the five municipalities they patrol.
OPP say, since the 1st of January 2024, South Bruce OPP have received 74 fraud related reports, amounting to over $260,000 in lost funds.
The say scams that are becoming increasingly prevalent involve providing gift card numbers, cryptocurrency investment scams, and electronic transactions through online marketplaces and buy & sell social groups.
They caution, “The South Bruce OPP are urging our residents to never provide gift card numbers over the phone or internet, be very cautions of the growing cryptocurrency market and do your research prior to choosing to invest, and never send ‘down-payment’ e-transfers through online marketplaces.”
Police add, “Scammers can be very convincing in their messaging and have the capability to clone phone numbers so that they will look legitimate on your caller ID.”
Police are asking you to verify to the best of your ability so that your money doesn’t go to a scam.
The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
