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Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are issuing a warning after receiving several reports of ongoing scams throughout Waterloo Region.
In most occurrences, victims transferred money before receiving the desired product or item, resulting in thousands of dollars in financial loss.
Since March 17, 2020, police have received 113 reports of internet fraud. During the same period last year, police received 66 reports.
Some of the scams involve the following:
Online Buy and Sell Scams
In one instance, the buyer responded to an ad posted online involving household appliances. The ad required a deposit from the buyer to hold the items. The victim sent an e-transfer as a deposit but never received the products. Shortly after, the seller removed the ad.
Gift Card Purchase
In three recent reports of gift card scams, the victims received emails from someone they believed was their employer. In each instance, the fraudster requested them to purchase gift cards and provide the activation pins for the cards. In total, the victims reported losses of more than $2,000.
Pet Scams
In one case, the buyer responded to an online ad for the sale of a kitten. The victim sent a deposit and was then told to send more money to cover additional costs. The victim suffered a financial loss of approximately $3,000 and never received the kitten.
In many scams involving animals, the seller requests that the buyer transfer payment electronically, and will then often ask for them to cover additional costs for things like shipping or pet insurance.
Waterloo Regional Police would like to remind the public to be vigilant while shopping online or responding to email requests to send money. The following are safety tips to consider when making purchases online or responding to requests for money:
- Ensure that the product is real.
- Do not send a deposit or full payment without first seeing the product.
- Be cautious of employer requests to purchase gift cards or merchandise with your own money.
- Verify the legitimacy of the seller, or make purchases from known breeders or suppliers.
- Trust your instincts. Pause and consider before forwarding any funds. When in any doubt consult police or someone you trust.
If you have been a victim of a scam and have not reported it to police, we encourage you to do so by calling 519-570-9777. You can also file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or visit them online on the Anti-Fraud Centre website.
Media Inquiries
André Johnson
Constable
Public Information Officer, Executive Branch
Waterloo Regional Police Service
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8106
andre.johnson@wrps.on.ca
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