Too good to be true? Be Fraud-Aware this Holiday Season - When in Doubt, Check it Out!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Wednesday, December 7, 2022           9:00 am

(Ottawa) As we head into the holiday season, Ottawa Police Service, in partnership with 211, is reminding residents to be cautious of scams preying on your honesty, trust, good nature and sometimes fear.

If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, check it out - do your research. Never feel pressured to provide information or make a financial contribution right away. In Ottawa, you can call 211 to speak to someone who can help you figure out if something is a scam,

“We want you to call us any time you have questions,” said John Hoyles, Executive Director of Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario, the provider of 211 services in Ottawa. “Our staff can take a look to see what resources can help you make the right call.”

IMPORTANT: If you’ve been a victim of fraud, meaning you have lost money in a transaction, please report the incident to the Ottawa Police Service online or by calling our Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300.

Common scams circulating right now include:

• Merchandise scams
• Emergency (aka “Grannie”) scams
• Canada Revenue Agency scams
• Tech support and Refund scams

If you’re not sure if something is a scam or not, here are a few tips:

• Check out the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website or call them at 1-888-495-8501. They have up-to-date information on the latest scams and how to report them.
• Hang up and call back. If someone says they are calling from a reputable organization, like your banking institution, you should be able to contact your banking institution and verify the caller’s information or claim.
• Call 211 or phone a friend! Don’t be embarrassed! It’s becoming harder and harder to tell what is legitimate and what is a scam. 211 Ontario has a wealth of fraud prevention information and can help point you in the right direction if you need additional resources or support. If still in doubt run the incident by a trusted friend or relative to see what they think.

You can never be too careful. Protect yourself by being extra cautious and doing some homework before parting with your hard-earned money.

For more information, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

If you have been a victim of fraud, please file a police report at ottawapolice.ca.

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CONTACT: Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366