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Wellington resident caught in ’emergency’ scam

Prince Edward OPP are warning residents to beware of ’emergency’ scam callers after a woman in Wellington was a victim of fraud July 31.

Cst. Karen German, Prince Edward Community Safety Officer, said a female resident on Harbourview Court received a frantic phone call from a male whom she believed was her son, who told her he was in jail as he had been involved in a serious motor vehicle collision. The call was then turned over to another male who claimed to be a lawyer. He told the victim that she must immediately send funds in order for her son to be released.

“She was instructed to withdraw $6,000 from her bank and deposit the money into another account to facilitate the release,” said German. “The victim withdrew the money and sent it as directed. The victim made contact with her son later that day who indicated he was not in trouble and they contacted OPP to report the scam.”

People receiving such a call should contact their immediate family and inquire if anyone is in need of assistance.

“These types of calls play on a person’s emotions and create a sense of urgency which then creates distress to the recipient. Keep calm and do not forward any funds without speaking to family members first.”

The OPP are reminding Prince Edward County residents to be vigilant and alert for unsolicited calls, emails, faxes or and visitors that arrive at their residence.

“Modern, tech-savvy scammers have personal information about you before they ever try to contact you,” said German. “It is imperative to verify any unsolicited contact before you respond and provide information. Keep your guard up when you receive a surprise call from anyone soliciting funds and indicating that a loved one is in jail or have been involved in a serious incident.

“You work hard for you money, so work hard to protect it. Do not hand it over to a smooth-talking con artist. Fraud is a multi-billion dollar per year business that will only stop when the con artists stop making money.”

For more information on fraud, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 – 888 – 495-8501 or visit http://www.antifraudcentre.ca

Filed Under: Local News

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