NORTH & SOUTH DUNDAS, Ontario – In recent editions of The Winchester Press and The Morrisburg Leader, a classified advertisement from a woman purporting to seek a caregiver for her elderly mother-in-law, who is suffering from dementia, had been featured.
We’ve now learned it is a scam. Do not respond.
The ad was booked and paid for by credit card via email. The payment cleared, and nothing about the submission appeared out of the ordinary.
The culprit’s goal appears to be to obtain personal information, particularly banking records, which may lead to financial loss.
The SD&G OPP received two complaints regarding this and thankfully no money was lost.
A quick Google search finds cases related to this advertisement throughout Canada and the U.S.
Protect yourself from this and other frauds and scams. Don’t give out personal financial details or information over the phone. Don’t believe callers who say they are from your bank or credit card company, if you have a concern go to your bank personally. Educate yourself about banking practices. Banks would never advise you to transfer funds to another outside account to protect your funds. More information on frauds and scams and how to protect yourself can be found online:
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
• Consumer Protection Ontario
• Canadian Bankers Association
• Ontario Provincial Police
ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION ON THE ABOVE OR ANY CRIME IS ASKED TO CALL SD&G OPP AT 1-888-310-1122 OR CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-222-8477.
