(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit is warning the public of a reported scam.
Victims have received calls from persons pretending to be victim support workers from Ottawa Victim Services.
The fraudster typically tells the victim that their personal information has been compromised and appeared on the dark web relating to crimes against children. The victim is then instructed to attend their banking institution and transfer funds or offered help by the fraudster to transfer money our of their compromised accounts into the one that has been especially prepared for them.
To further complicate matters, the fraudster references a partnership with Ottawa Police Service investigators and the calls appear to be from telephone numbers that belong to Ottawa Victim Services (613-238-2762).
Public are reminded that should they receive unsolicited calls from a person requesting money or personal information; they should advise the person on the line that they will call them back. They should then verify the correct number for whatever agency is supposedly calling and then call them back, as applicable.
It should be further noted that the actual Ottawa Police phone number (613-236-1222) as well as Ottawa Victim Services (613-238-2762) will not show up on your call display when you are receiving a legitimate call from either of them.
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.
