Police warning of new scam seeking victims’ personal information

Mississauga | Ontario | Crime |

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Published January 7, 2021 at 11:42 pm

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Peel Regional Police (PRP) is warning the public of a new scam.

According to PRP, the scammers create fake companies with names nearly identical to existing ones, as a way to extract information from unwitting victims.

Investigators have found the scammers will message potential victims claiming to be authorized to provide victims with cash vouchers if they provide information including:

  1. Biller Holder Name
  2. Bill Account Number
  3. Billing Amount
  4. Name of the service provider company
  5. Billing Address
  6. Date of Birth
  7. Email Address

Additionally, while these scammers claim they do not require any credit card information or money up front, they can still use this information to defraud the person involved.

In order to avoid falling victim to such scams, PRP is encouraging residents to:

  • Do your research. Verify the organization or person. 
  • Do not be afraid to say no.
  • Any requests for money should be treated with caution.
  • Avoid clicking on convenient links; source the service separate and apart from what is provided in an email or message.
  • Do not prepay someone you have never met for services or products through Interac e-transfer or by prepaid gift cards.
  • Do not send currency via Bitcoin ABM at the direction of someone you do not know and trust.

Further, anyone interested in learning more about this or other scams are encouraged to visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website.

Moreover, anyone with information about a similar incident can call investigators with the Fraud Bureau at 905-453–2121, extension 3335.

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