NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH POLICE SERVICE
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Todays 'Fraud Friday' is about continuity scams. As e-Commerce continues to grow, so do the opportunities to be victimized through online purchases - specifically with a credit card.
How it works:
Continuity scams largely take place when you are online and observe a pop-up or advertisement offering a free trial or free gift upon completion of a survey. Consumers who participate are often asked to provide a credit card to pay for shipping and handling. Unless you review the terms and conditions, it's unlikely you will see the hidden fees associated to the offer, which includes overpriced monthly charges that are nearly impossible to cancel.
It is not uncommon for you to suffer multiple charges from multiple merchants around the world. If you are a victim to a continuity scam, we urge you to contact your bank or credit card provider immediately and request a stop payment.
Warning signs — how to protect yourself:
- Review all fine print and terms and conditions before making a purchase.
- Conduct open source searches to see if anybody has suggested the offer is a scam.
- Beware of paid advertisements online. Paid banner ads are not always affiliated with the
website you are viewing. - Review credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges.
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