NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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TOWNSHIP OF CENTRE WELLINGTON - On Oct. 15, 2020, Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a fraud and extortion which occurred in the Town of Fergus. The victim advised of being defrauded of over $5,000.
The victim met the suspect online in April 2020 and the two developed a rapport. The suspect gained the trust of the victim and later threatened to post intimate images of the victim online unless they sent him money. The victim sent cash transfers as well as gift cards to the suspect before contacting police.
Warning signs ‐ How to protect yourself:
• Fraudsters want to develop a quick relationship. Be suspicious when someone you have not met professes their love for you.
• Be wary when someone claims to be involved in a lucrative business but needs to borrow money for bills and expenses.
• Be cautious when chatting to an individual who claims to live close but works overseas.
• Do not cash any cheques or send the person any money for any reason, whatsoever.
• Carefully consider who you're sharing explicit videos and photographs with. Don't perform any explicit acts online.
• Disable your webcam or any other camera connected to the internet when you aren't using it. Hackers can get remote access and record you.
Anyone with any information about this occurrence is asked to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.
If you believe that you have been a victim of a fraud you may report it online to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (or call 1-888-495-8501) or contact the OPP (1-888-310-1122).
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