By Rosalind Russell – East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police is warning the public, particularly seniors, about a suspected fraud in the Elliot Lake area involving heating or air systems.
Constable Phil Young says if you receive any unsolicited communication by any means asking for money to be given, be cautious and suspicious.
He says there is a group claiming to be part of Consumer Protection Ontario or other variations of the name, which has been targeting members of the seniors’ community, and asking questions about their heating and air conditioning equipment.
Young says they offer to help by lowering payments and remove the Notices of Security Interest, but never show up for the inspection, rather they refer them to a non-existent government rebate program for a fee.
He emphasizes do not share any personal or financial information, nor send funds but call and report the call to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre instead.
If you receive such a phone call, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free). If you are unsure if it is a scam, please contact Consumer Protection Ontario. If you have questions about your consumer rights, they can be reached, toll-free at 1-800-889-9768 or toll-free TTY at 1-877-666-6545. You can also contact Consumer Protection Ontario via their website at www.Ontario.ca
Photo: Never give out personal financial information or money to anyone over the phone unless you personally know them. There is a fraud making the rounds in Elliot Lake right now especially targeting seniors. Call police or the fraud centre if someone asks for your info or for money. Photo provided by OPP
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