New fraud scam targeting local businesses and hotels

 https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/new-fraud-scam-targeting-local-businesses-and-hotels.aspx

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 13, 2024    10:50 am

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit is warning of a new fraud scheme targeting businesses and hotels in the Ottawa area.

The incidents reported all follow the same pattern: a fraudster, usually male, will call the business claiming to be the owner or manager stating that there is an urgent need to pay a bill related to the business. They then direct the employee to gather funds from the register, safe or office and deposit it into a bitcoin machine or to Western Union.

In some instances the suspect was familiar with employee names and local business policies.

No government agency or legitimate business will ask you to purchase gift cards or bitcoin in order to settle an account. 

If you have been a victim of fraud, please make a report online with the Ottawa Police Service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by phone at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).

You can read more about scams and tips to protect yourself. You can also visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for information on popular scams and the Toronto Police Service for tips on how to protect yourself from scams.

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by Ottawa Police Service.

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