Lambton County OPP is reminding residents to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from fraud and financial scams.
Police say fraudsters continue to target people by phone, text message, email, social media and online dating platforms. The scams are often designed to create a sense of urgency, gain trust or pressure people into providing personal information or sending money.
Common scams include people impersonating financial institutions, government agencies, police officers or legitimate businesses. Police also point to fraudulent investment opportunities, online marketplace transactions and emergency scams involving family members.
Police say romance scams are a growing concern. Fraudsters use dating websites, social media and messaging platforms to build relationships, then invent emergencies, financial hardships or investment opportunities to convince victims to send money. The scams can continue for weeks or months and can cause significant financial and emotional harm.
OPP advises residents to take their time and not feel pressured into quick financial decisions, and never to give banking details, passwords or personal information to unknown people. Anyone contacted by someone claiming to represent a bank, government agency or business should verify the person’s identity using an official phone number. Police say requests for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or electronic transfer can be warning signs. People are also urged to be cautious about anyone they have met only online who asks for money, avoids meeting in person or provides inconsistent information, to avoid suspicious links and attachments, and to talk to someone they trust about any questionable offer.
Police also encourage open conversations with family, friends and neighbours, particularly seniors and others who may be vulnerable.
“Fraud can happen to anyone, regardless of age or background,” police said, urging victims not to feel embarrassed about reporting.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim can contact Lambton County OPP and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
