Scammers Continue to Prey on the Vulnerable During Quarantine

Tuesday, 5 May 2020 15:24

Norfolk OPP are investigating after a resident saw a Facebook ad promoting a $50,000 federal grant for families struggling through COVID-19. The resident ended up losing $1,300.

SOUTH WALSINGHAM - Norfolk County OPP investigated a fraud at a home in South Walsingham.

Police investigated the incident on May 1st after a resident saw a Facebook ad promoting a $50,000 federal grant for families struggling through COVID-19.

The resident got in touch with a individual who claimed to be an agent with the US government. A money transfer of approximately $400 was requested in order to cover the processing fee.

The victim then sent approximately $900 in prepaid visa gift cards after a second request in additional funds in order to release the grant money that was being held by customs.

The victim realized this was a scam and they contacted police immediately.

Inspector and Detachment Commander Joseph Varga says it's important to be aware of the scams that are going around right now.

"If we can eliminate the economic incentives for scammers, we can eliminate their behaviour completely. All residents in Norfolk County are being encouraged to continually stay educated on the various scams that are occurring in our community."

He adds you can visit here to stay up-to-date on the various scams.

Norfolk County OPP have provided a few tips to protect yourself from scammers.

- Don't give out your bank account information to anyone you don't know. Scammers pressure people to divulge their bank account information so that they can steal the money in the account. Always keep your bank account information confidential. Don't share it unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary.

- Don't pay any money for a "free" government grant. If you have to pay money to claim a "free" government grant, it isn't a government grant and it isn't really free. A real government agency won't ask you to pay a processing fee for a grant that you have already been awarded-or to pay for a list of grant-making institutions. Specifically, Federal government agencies and employees never ask people to wire money or use a prepaid debit card to pay for anything. Be careful. Prepaid cards and money transfers are like sending cash.