Sarnia police are aiming to raise awareness of an increase in scams across the city.
Some of the scams reported to police over the past couple of months include employment scams, catfishing, grandparent scams, and phishing.
Police said in one case, a victim had signed an electronic "contract" in response to a job posting over social media, which offered the option to work from home.
Officers said the victim was sent a cheque for $3,000 to purchase gift cards and other items.
"Several days later after having made the purchases, and providing the money back to the scammers, she learned the [cheque] 'bounced,”' read a media release.
Community members are being asked to consider the following safety tips in order to avoid becoming a fraud victim.
- A general warning sign is if someone gives a cheque and asks for the funds to be sent elsewhere.
- Ensure you are comfortable with any type of transaction and are aware of who you are accepting funds from.
- Do not spend money from a cheque until the money has been cleared from a financial institution.
Residents who believe they have been scammed can file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or Sarnia Police Service at (519) 344-8861.
