Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want to warn community members of a recent scam in our area.
OPP continue to investigate a number of frauds/scams and of note is one that has surfaced again this week.
Recently, the public have reported being flagged down by individuals appearing to be in distress or requesting money. Locations vary from Highway 401 ramps to county and municipal roadways. The individual will approach the caller’s vehicle and advise that they need money for gas or other reasons such as losing their wallet. Persons will offer jewelry in exchange cash and some have even gone as far as to lay the jewelry onto the seat so as to pressure the motorist.
The scam is that the jewelry or gold is fake.
If you find yourself in this position, decline the offer, remove yourself from the situation and contact police. Remember, if the offer seems too good to be true, it is too good to be true and someone is trying to scam you out of your money.
For more information on other common scams in Canada, check out the Competition Bureau Canada’s ‘The Little Black Book of Scams’:
https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/04333.html
For additional information on ongoing scams in Canada and to report fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact police.
Northumberland OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call1-800-222-TIPS (8477).