Huron OPP are investigating two recent fraud reports in Bluewater and Huron East. Total losses exceed $383,000.
On April 30th, Huron OPP were contacted by a Bluewater resident that was contacted by phone by a fraudster posing as an investment company, and was scammed out of $83,000.
On May 1st, police were contacted by a resident of Huron East that had been scammed out of $300,000 since the fall of 2022 in the form of unsolicited repairs on a residence.
Police continue to caution the public against engaging with unknown individuals requesting financial access or soliciting services.
Other ways that you can protect yourself include:
– Don’t give out your personal information).
– Don’t accept friend requests from people you do not know.
– Don’t invest your money in platforms provided by people you don’t know.
– Be careful who you share images with. Suspects will often use explicit pictures to extort victims into sending more money.
– Protect your online accounts.
– Get more than one quote for home repair work and never feel pressured.
– Never send money to someone you haven’t met.
– Don’t respond to text messages from phone numbers you do not recognize.
The most important thing to do is educate yourself, and if you fall victim to a fraud, contact your local police service.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
