OPP Alerts Public to Inspector Scam

Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 06:13

Photo Credit: Ontario Provincial Police - West Region Facebook page

An Ingersoll business lost almost $2,000 recently.

OXFORD COUNTY - An investigation by Oxford OPP sparks an urgent reminder.

The West Region Headquarters has sent out a message to all businesses in southwestern Ontario, after an employee at an Ingersoll business was defrauded for almost $2,000. The employee was contacted directly by someone pretending to be a safety and fire inspector and looking for advanced payment for supposed inspection-related supplies. The scam was reported to police last Friday, after an employee was contacted directly from someone posing as a safety and fire inspector. The employee was told to transfer cryptocurrency and was directed to another business that had a cryptocurrency ATM.

The OPP have given tips on what to look for during a potential inspection fraud situation. They include; Unannounced Visits: While some inspections are unannounced, legitimate inspectors almost always carry proper photo ID and can specify the exact legislation under which conducting the inspections. Immediate Payment Demands: Real health and safety inspectors do not collect cash or credit card payments on the spot, or demand payment by cryptocurrency. Threats of Immediate Closure: Scammers use fear to push for payment, claiming they will shut down the business if money is not paid immediately. Lastly, Requests for Personal/Financial Information: Authentic inspectors will not ask for sensitive, private information over the phone or in an initial meeting.

Tips have also been given on how to protect your business. Those are; Verify Credentials: Ask for identification and contact the local regulatory agency (e.g., local Public Health unit, Fire Department) to confirm the inspector is authorized. Never Pay on the Spot: Do not provide cryptocurrency payment, credit card numbers or cash to individuals claiming to be inspectors. The last tip is, Train Employees: Ensure staff know to refer "inspectors" to a manager and to never allow unknown individuals into private areas of the business.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud contact your local police service and Report fraud and cybercrime to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

If you're a business owner in West Region, YOU need to hear this! The #OPP is issuing a warning to all West Region businesses about the safety and fire Inspector scam. Tune in to find out more and how you can protect yourself and your business. @canantifraud #WROPP ^es pic.twitter.com/kJnbj0Po0y
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) February 25, 2026