(MUNICIPALITY OF BRIGHTON, ON) – Members from the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are currently investigating an emergency scam that was reported on July 2, 2020.
A resident from the Brighton area reported receiving several phone calls informing her that her son was involved in a collision where a mother and a baby had died. The victim then received a phone call from a male claiming to be her son stating he had been arrested and needed money in order to be released from jail. The victim was then transferred to another male she believed was her son’s lawyer.
The victim unfortunately sent a payment of over $15,000 before realizing this may be a scam.
Scammers are counting on you wanting to quickly help your loved out during an emergency situation. Please take time to verify the story by contacting another family member, always be mindful of urgent pleas that play on your emotions and never send money to anyone you do not know and trust.
For more information on this scam and other frauds can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca . This website provides an online means of reporting, and offers great tips on the best methods to assist in protecting yourself from falling victim to this type of scam or any other fraud.