MAPLETON – Local police are investigating a scam that left a Mapleton resident out a lot of money.
Wellington OPP report a resident of that township lost over $100,000 in an investment scam, according to a tweet from OPP West Region.
This resident then was out over $4,000 to a company claiming to be able to recover their money.
"In this type of scam, fraudsters retain a list and contact previous investment scam victims by telephone, email, social media or will use search engine optimization and claim that they can return the funds the victim lost in a previous investment scam," adds a Wellington OPP news release. "Fraudsters will tell victims that there is a fee for their services and, in some cases, will ask for remote access to the victim's computer or device. In the end, no funds are returned to the victim and more funds are potentially stolen."
Police offered the following tips on how to protect yourself:
• If you've been a victim of fraud, fraudsters may target you again with a promise to get your money back.
• Never be afraid to hang up the phone.
• Never allow an unknown person to gain remote access to your computer/device.
• Always have your computer/device serviced by a reputable local business.
• Never pay an advance fee to obtain a refund.
• Remember that search engine optimization refers to the ability to have websites appear in the first results of an online search.
• Don't assume the top results mean companies are legitimate.
• If you had provided personal information or have granted remote access to your computer, follow these steps to protect yourself from identity fraud.
• Learn more tips and tricks for protecting yourself.
OPP recommend residents learn more about scams through the Ontario Securities Commission and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre websites.
#WellingtonOPP investigating after @MapletonTwp resident lost over $100,000 in an investment scam and over $4,000 to a company claiming it could recover their money. Do your research before handing over money to any company. Visit @canantifraud and @smarter_money for more. ^JU pic.twitter.com/HyHqGXiQs6
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) July 25, 2023
