Fraud Alerts
Beware of Grandparent Scams this Holiday Season
As the holidays approach, Barrie Police are reminding the public that fraudsters will use any opportunity – even the festive season – to take advantage of others. At this time of year, grandparents might expect a call from a grandchild they haven’t seen in a while,...
Fraud Alert: Scam targeting Alectra customers
The Barrie Police Service Fraud Unit has received reports recently from businesses in the Barrie area reporting that they have been targeted by fraudsters claiming to be from Alectra Utilities. The caller claims that they are from Alectra and that the victim’s hydro...
Fraud Alert: How to report fraud
If you suspect you may be a target of fraud, or if you have already sent funds, don’t be embarrassed – you’re not alone. If you have been a victim, reporting fraud for police to investigate helps to identify trends or link crimes. Gathering all information related to...
Fraud Alert: Online Marketplace Scams
Online marketplaces can be a great source for deals, but only if you are careful to watch for fraudulent postings. Popular online marketplace sites or social networks may have fraudulent advertisements posted within them. Fraudsters may also create websites that...
Romance / Catfishing Scams
Social media can be a great way to stay connected to friends and family and to meet new connections. Unfortunately, it’s also a great place for fraudsters looking to carry out a romance scam. Romance scams may start out looking like any other friendship or...
Fraud Prevention Month – Wire Fraud: Diverting Real Estate Closing Costs
Buying a home is likely the biggest financial transaction most people will take part in, and homebuyers should be aware of a new type of fraud that could have a big impact on your purchase. After gaining access to sensitive information about your real estate...
March is Fraud Prevention Month: Tips for spotting fraud
Would you know a fraud if you saw it? Fraudsters are trying new and different ways to scam the public, but there are a few common signs to help determine if that too-good-to-be-true offer or that threatening email are scams. A sense of urgency The scam may be...
Tips for Spotting Property Frauds
Don’t send a deposit without seeing/visiting the property The biggest flag is a request to send a deposit without seeing the place you are going to be living in. Even during covid, there are safe ways to visit a prospective rental property – which is still allowed...
Fraud Prevention Month draws to a close
As Fraud Prevention Month wraps up, the Barrie Police Service reminds you to take time to carefully consider any requests, offers or threats you receive that try to obtain money, BitCoin or gift cards. To help protect yourself from experiencing fraud, familiarize...
Fraud Prevention Seminar
Join our Crime Prevention Unit for an information session on common frauds and scams. Learn how to keep yourself, your family, and your money safe. Date: Monday, March 22, 2021 Time: 1:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. To register: Contact [email protected]
Reporting Fraud
If you suspect you may be a target of fraud, or if you have already sent funds, don’t be embarrassed – you’re not alone.
If you want to report a fraud, or if you need more information, contact The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
By phone:
1-888-495-8501
9a.m. – 4:45 p.m., M-F
Eastern Time
Online:
CAFC Fraud Reporting System