The Orillia OPP are warning the public of a local phone scam, involving fraudulent phone calls looking for credit card information.
On January 24, 2021, officers received a report from an Orillia pharmacy advising that customers had been getting phone calls from a male who stated that he worked at the pharmacy. Several customers reported that “Barry” had called from the pharmacy stating that a prescription was ready and asking for credit card information prior to pick up. Officers were advised that these calls were fraudulent and that it is not common practice to ask customers for credit card information over the phone.
Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
- Never provide personal information or banking details over the phone unless you initiated the call
- Verify any unsolicited calls by calling back on a number that you have confirmed yourself
- Don’t be afraid to say “no”
- Do your research and ensure the organization that you are dealing with is legitimate before taking any other action
- Be aware of upfront fees, many scams request you pay fees in advance of receiving goods and services or a prize
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and if you feel pressured, never hesitate to hang up
If you have shared personal information or banking details with scammers, contact your financial institution immediately to place alerts on your account. If you have been defrauded, report it to the police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. For further information or to report a fraud online, visit – https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/