The Ontario Provincial Police warn residents that if they get a call from someone who says they're from the Crown Attorney's Office, claiming you're the victim of identity fraud, be careful. It might be a scam.
The OPP said call display may appear to show a legitimate phone number, and scammers may use the names of actual Crown Attorneys or claim to be working with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
The scammer might instruct the victim to make payments using so-called "government-approved ATMs, which are often Bitcoin machines, or to deposit cash into a drop box.
They might also send the victim QR codes or documents that appear to be on official letterhead.
Police say residents will know it's a scam because the Crown Attorney's Office and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre would never instruct someone to withdraw funds, make payments, use Bitcoin machines, QR codes or drop boxes.
Police recommend being cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, don't trust call display, never use phone numbers, QR codes, links, or websites sent by the caller, and verify information independently.
Anyone who believes they are a victim of a scam can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or go to www.catchcrooks.com.
The OPP recently warned the public of another scam that works the same way, except the caller claims to be a safety and fire inspector.
