Mass marketing scam/extortion and threat of arrest

http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/index.aspx?newsId=146e1c0e-f97d-4834-90ab-b257dd441979

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Unit is advising the community about an emerging mass marketing scam/extortion where fraudsters call residents and threaten to arrest the victims and their families. 

Messages have been left for victims to immediately call back a specific phone number or their family would be arrested and prosecuted.

The fraudsters eventually request the victim’s personal information and banking information (credit cards, bank accounts and passwords) as a way to avoid an arrest. This is also how fraudsters confirm a victim’s identity.

The fraudsters have been known to impersonate government agencies, attorneys; and sometimes no identity is provided. 

The Ottawa Police Fraud Unit reminds Ottawa residents to be wary when receiving phone calls in which personal information and/or banking information is requested.

For further information on marketing scams and fraud, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Call Centre at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300 or Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477.