In response to an alarming rise in fraud schemes, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) is urging residents to remain vigilant and safeguard their personal and financial information.
Fraudsters are increasingly using sophisticated techniques to exploit individuals. Common scams include:
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scams: Scammers impersonate government officials, claiming taxpayers owe money and must pay immediately. Grandparent scams: A scammer pretends to be a relative in distress, urgently requesting money. Bank investigator scams: Fraudsters pose as bank employees investigating suspicious activity.
Please be advised: no legitimate government official, lawyer, or bank employee will ever:
Ask you to withdraw large sums of cash from your bank. Instruct you to lie to bank tellers about the reason for a withdrawal. Request the purchase of Apple Pay cards or any other gift cards. Encourage you to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs or wire money.
If you receive such requests, it is likely a scam. Do not engage with the caller. Report the incident immediately to local authorities and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Protect yourself and your loved ones. Always verify requests for money and remember: if something seems too good to be true or suspicious, it probably is.
For more information and tips on how to protect yourself from fraud, visit:
🔗 https://niagarapolice.ca/en/index.aspx
Stay safe. Stay informed.