A Kincardine resident recently lost over $8,000 to an online scammer, prompting a warning from South Bruce OPP.
Police say over the past week, over $10,000 was lost by area residents to con artists, including a Brockton resident who lost $1,300 and a Arran Elderslie resident that lost $500.
All the victims were asked to purchase gift cards, which police say should be an immediate red flag.
Other tips to help protect you from a cons include:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is
- Remember that you can’t win a contest that you didn’t enter in the first place
- If you have a concern about your computer, take it to a reputable repair shop for service. Do not provide remote access to a “tech” that calls you out of the blue
- Your best defence is to verify any unsolicited contact. (Unsolicited means that you didn’t ask for it)
Anyone interested in more information on fraud can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 888 495 8501 or check online.