Beware of False Job Offers and request for money transfers

 https://www.ottawapolice.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?page=2&newsId=4ee758a5-192a-4a14-a1cd-c46beb9d1c09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 6, 2021   10:00am 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service is reminding the public of a popular scam where people are being offered false employment opportunities and asked to transfer money. 

The fraudulent 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 obtained the job and are sent a payment by cheque, e-transfer or other means by the supposed employer, and instructed to deposit it into their own bank account. 

They are then asked to send a large portion of the deposited money to someone else -- usually by purchasing pre-paid gift cards or depositing the money into a bitcoin machine or bank account provided to them by the employer. 

Once the victim has done this transfer payment, their bank calls them to inform them that the cheque or e-transfer they deposited into their own account was fraudulent and that their account is either overdrawn or frozen. 

This is a reminder to never send money to a person you do not know and trust; and that no reputable employer would ask that you use your own personal bank account in order to receive/send money. 

For more information about the latest scams and tips to avoid them, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center online. 

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. 

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or crimestoppers.ca. 

Two Ottawa youths arrested for online shopping fraud offences

http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/index.aspx?newsId=27c779c4-2df6-4dfd-97c3-52b87b60592f

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 24, 2016           11:26am 

(Ottawa) — On February 19, 2016, two 17 year old males from Ottawa were arrested in the 1700 block of Russell Road following an undercover police operation related to the online advertisement of a cellular phone for sale.  

The police operation, conducted by East District Investigations and Neighbourhood Officers, was the result of an incident on January 23^rd where a young complainant answered an online advertisement and was defrauded a sum of money.   

As a result of the investigation, the two youths were charged as follows:

Young offender 1:

• Fraud not exceeding $5000, contrary to s. 380(1)(b) of the CCC
• Unlawfully in a Dwelling home, contrary to s. 349(1) of the CCC
• Mischief to property not exceeding $5000 contrary to s. 430(4) of the CCC 

Young offender 2:

• Unlawfully in a Dwelling home, contrary to s. 349(1) of the CCC
• Mischief to property not exceeding $5000 contrary to s. 430(4) of the CCC 

The Ottawa Police would like to remind the public of basic “buyer beware” guidelines when responding to online ads:

• Do not give money until you have seen and inspected the item you are buying;
• Do not go to a seller’s address alone, if possible;
• Set up a meeting in a public place to purchase your desired item;
• For cell phones, ask for the 15 digit IMEI in advance to ensure it is not stolen;
• Ask for valid identification from the seller;
• If you are a victim of a crime, report to police immediately. 

For more information http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/about-us/common-scams.asp 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

Don't fall for scammer claiming to be a hitman hired to kill you: O.P.P.

Posted on 10/21/2015 2:31:00 PM by Mai Habib

A warning about a bizarre and scary fraud in the Ottawa Valley.

O.P.P. say the scammer sends people a text or an email claiming to be a hitman hired to kill them.
In order to spare your life, the suspect asks you to send him several thousands of dollars.
Police are warning: Your life is not in danger; it's just a fraudster looking to make money. They say the scam can be quite frightening if you have never heard of it.
Police say it's an old scam but it's making the rounds again in the Renfrew area.
What to do if you receive the message:
Report it: Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by phone or online to report all frauds, even if you recognize the scam and were not defrauded. Their contact: 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca
Do Not Respond: Don't engage the scammer in conversation, that just confirms they have an active email address or phone number.
Police are asking you to visit www.antifraudcentre.ca for information on active and popular scams and to learn how to recognize them and don't be victimized.