SCAM ALERT! Beware of COVID-19 fraud.
The Peterborough Police Service is warning residents that scams related to COVID-19 are beginning to circulate across Ontario.
Although the service has not officially received a complaint or report of the activity in its jurisdiction (City of Peterborough, Lakefield and Cavan Monaghan Township), it is aware of content and conversations being shared on social media regarding these types of fraudsters in the communities.
To be proactive, the service is alerting residents and providing important crime prevention messaging about COVID scams.
“It’s certainly sad and disconcerting that people are looking to take advantage and prey on the vulnerable during stressful and uncertain times,” said Det. Const. Alison Dyer of the service’s fraud unit.
“Whether speaking to someone over the phone, online or at your doorstep, we remind residents always to stop, pause and think before providing any personal or banking information or agreeing to one of these fraudulent services.”
Dyer adds that when in doubt, residents should call a trusted family member or friend, their bank, insurance provider, police or the Peterborough Public Health Unit to verify the person’s identity and the service or product they are claiming to provide related to COVID-19.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website, COVID-19 scams currently circulating include the following:
- Private companies offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale
- Consumers purchasing large amounts of products and reselling them at higher prices
- Door-to-door fraudsters offering fake decontamination services
- Fraudsters posing as police to issue fines to consumers wearing masks
- Fraudsters urging people to invest in new stocks related to the disease
- Phishing, spear-phishing and other malicious email campaigns
- Fraudulent and deceptive online ads
To avoid COVID-19 fraud, police advise only visiting reputable sites for information, including the Peterborough Public Health Unit, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada.
They also advise:
Contact your insurance provider to answer any health insurance questions
- Beware of high-priced or low-quality products
- Beware of unsolicited medical advisory emails with links or attachments
- Fraudsters may spoof the information of government and health care organizations
- Beware of miracle cures, herbal remedies and other questionable offers, such as vaccinations, faster tests, etc.
- Beware of unauthorized or fraudulent charities requesting money for victims or research.
- Verify that a charity is registered by visiting online.
Scam Alert! To report fraud, contact the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or online or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online.
Source: SCAM Alert! Beware of COVID-19 fraud. Global News
Related Articles:
Newsletters
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
Events & Sponsorship
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
Articles & Publications
Nearly a million Canadian bank records sent to IRS
Number of government transfers of records of bank accounts held by Canadian residents to U.S. has been rising The Canada Revenue Agency sent 900,000 financial records belonging to Canadian residents to the Internal Revenue Service in September — nearly a third more...
Basics of Sales Tax
Basics of Sales Tax The GST/HST and QST are governed by a complex set of rules and regulations as set out by the excise tax (ETA). This article is a good starting point to understanding these rules.Fundamental terms for the sales tax Basic Charging Provision...
Do I Need to Charge GST/HST?
Do I Need to Charge GST/HST? Just started your own business? Congrats and welcome to the world of being your own boss! According to Statistics Canada, you can now count yourself among the other 2.7 million Canadians who are living the self-employed dream.If...
Notice of Assessment, Notice of Reassessment, Request for Information and Audit
Notice of Assessment, Notice of Reassessment, Request for Information and Audit. If you’ve just opened your mailbox and have a notification from the Canada Revenue Agency’s MyAccount, don’t be intimidated. Here’s what you need to know about the different types...
The Real Cost of Missing the April 30 Tax Deadline
The Real Cost of Missing the April 30 Tax Deadline We know, life gets hectic, and it can be easy to forget an appointment or deadline here and there, but, it’s best not to forget to file your taxes on time, especially considering that the Canada Revenue Agency...