More Scams In Norfolk County

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Saturday, 2 February 2019 07:45

The Publishing Clearing House Scam is the latest scam to hit Norfolk County.

NORFOLK COUNTY - The Norfolk County OPP would like to warn all Norfolk County residents about the Publishing Clearing House Scam.

Police were contacted on January 29th after 10:00am by a concerned resident who reported a fraud.

The victim says they began to receive several text messages from an individual who they initially thought was their friend. The unknown person claimed that the victim had won $250,000. The victim was then asked several questions including their name, home address, cell number and their mother's maiden name.

The victim realized this was a scam after an e-transfer request of aproximately $2,500.00. The victim immediately cut off all contact.

The OPP want to ensure that if anyone has received these types of messages and provided any money or personal or financial information to take proactive steps in order to prevent them from becoming targets of identity theft.

If you have provided your personal or financial information and suspect that it has been used to commit fraud or theft, take action immediately and keep a record of your conversations and correspondence.

The following basic actions are appropriate in almost every case.

- Start a log of dates, person(s) that you spoke with and exactly what they said.

- Contact the fraud departments of each of the two major credit bureaus Equifax: (800) 465-7166 and Trans Union: (800) 663-998. Request that a "Fraud Alert" be placed in your files. At the same time order copies of your credit reports.

- Contact the fraud department of creditors for any accounts that have been opened or tampered with fraudulently. This may include credit card companies, phone companies, banks and other lenders.

- File a report with your local Police or the Police in the community where the identity theft took place.

- Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is currently central sourcing all pertinent information on Identity Theft to identity trends and patterns; information is also used to assist law enforcement agencies in possible investigations.

Minimize the Risk:

While you probably can't prevent identity theft entirely, you can minimize your risk.

Identity theft is on the rise and it can happen to anyone. It can happen to you. By managing your personal information wisely, cautiously and with an awareness of the issue, you can help guard against identity theft.

Tips to reduce risk of Identity Theft:

- Before you reveal any personally identifying information, find out how it will be used and if it will be shared.

- Pay attention to your billing cycles. Follow up with creditors if your bills don't arrive on time.

- Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the internet unless you have initiated the contact or know whom you're dealing with.

- Keep items with personal information in a safe place. An identity thief will pick through your garbage or recycling bins.

- Be sure to tear or shred receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements and credit offers you get in the mail.

- Give your Social Insurance Number (SIN) only when absolutely necessary.

- Ask to use other types of identifiers when possible.

- Don't carry your SIN card; leave it in a secure place.