Beware of False Job Offers

https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/index.aspx?newsId=08b173c0-0a9c-4af0-9856-25091b7cfb78

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 20, 2018   12:50 pm

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service is informing the public of the resurgence of a popular scam where people are being offered false employment opportunities.

The employment opportunities are offered on job sites, internet ads, unsolicited emails, unsolicited texts, or in the newspapers. On other occasions, people who are posting their résumé online are being offered jobs.

Those who respond to the ads are told that they have received the job and are then sent payment by cheque, e-transfer or other means, which they are then instructed to deposit into their bank account. They are then asked to send a large portion of the money to somewhere else; usually by purchasing pre-paid gift cards or depositing the money into a bank account provided to them by the suspects. Once they send the money on, the bank calls to inform them that the cheque or e-transfer was fraudulent and that their account is overdrawn or frozen.

Sometimes the job might be as a "secret shopper" to test the services of a bank, store, or money transfer service. On other occasions, the victim believes that they are helping the suspect set up a new business in the city.

This is a reminder to the public never to send money to anybody you do not know and trust. You can view tips here.

The Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit is asking persons who are or have been victims of this scam to contact the Ottawa Police and make a report at 613-236-1222 ext. 7300. The call centre is actively tracking all complaints and forwarding them to our Organized Fraud investigators. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

Warning: Is that Donation bin legitimate?

https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/index.aspx?newsId=f4e469f6-84ce-415e-951b-b9aeecafb511

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 9, 2018    1:30pm 

(Ottawa) – In early December, 2017, an investigation was commenced by West Criminal Investigations in relation to complaints of donation bins being stolen in the West end. 

Investigators found that donation bins from legitimate charities had been stolen and rebranded for use by another company not affiliated to those charities.  

A 35 year old male was charged in January 2018 with Mischief and Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000. 

In light of these incidents, the Ottawa Police urges residents to research the company/name of any donation bin they are putting clothing or other articles into; and to look for not-for-profit charities they recognize. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Ottawa Police's West Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2266. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app. 

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

Scam Alert: parking space

https://twitter.com/OttawaPolice/status/959546880807047169

SCAM ALERT | We've had reports of a kijiji ad advertising a downtown parking spot for rent. e-transfers were sent and purchasers found out that the spots were not actually legitimate when they returned to a parking ticket. Research before you make a payment. #scam

4:59 PM - 2 Feb 2018

https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/index.aspx?newsId=0cd06899-b325-413b-8515-ab7fe9ac03d1

Arrest Warrant for a parking scam suspect

Daniel MacKAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 22, 2018  11:05am 

 (Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit has issued an arrest warrant for Daniel MacKAY, 32 of Ottawa, for Fraud Under $5000 and Breaching his Recognizance.  

Between December 2017 and January 2018, MacKAY was placing advertisements on-line, renting parking spots in the downtown core and accepting money for those spots that did not exist.  

MacKAY is described as a white male, 6’ (183 cm), 185 lbs (84 kg), medium build, brown hair balding.  (view picture) 

The Ottawa Police Service are concerned that there are other victims. If you have been a victim of this offence, please report the incident on-line at https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/ 

The Organized Fraud Unit would like to remind consumers to be vigilant when purchasing items on-line from unknown persons. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Ottawa Police's Organized Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, ext.5433.  Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.