Ottawa police officer thwarts plan to defraud local senior citizen

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is again reminding the public not to give out personal information online, after a local senior was targeted in an online scam.

Around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 9, OPS Constable Tyler Hawkins was working patrol on Dalhousie Street when an 85-year-old woman approached him for directions to the police station.

“I gave her directions, but thinking I might be able to save her a trip, I asked her why she needed to go there,” said Cst. Hawkins.

The woman told Cst. Hawkins that she had been contacted by a man claiming to be with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), who told her she was a suspect in a major theft case from banks in British Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia for more than $100,000. She said the man told her to withdraw everything she had in her bank account without telling anyone, and hand over her date of birth and social insurance number, in order to avoid going to jail.

“He made reference to an appointment the next day with police, which is why she asked for directions,” said Cst. Hawkins. “She was on her way to the bank when she saw me.”

During their conversation, the man called again and was put on speakerphone so Cst. Hawkins could hear.

“There was a delayed response from his end, as the automated calling system signaled someone picked up and the connection was poor, both indications the call isn't local,” Cst Hawkins said.

Police say the caller was pushy and demanded the woman get to the bank, and when Cst. Hawkins spoke to the man by identifying himself as the woman's friend, he became upset, saying he told her not to tell anyone what she was doing.

The man then asked for Cst. Hawkins' date of birth and social insurance number, and when questioned as to why the information was necessary, hung up. Cst. Hawkins explained to the woman how these types of callers prey on honest people and attempt to steal identities with personal information.

“We want residents to know, CRA will not call you in this manner,” said Cst. Hawkins.

In addition to taking a police report about the attempted fraud, Cst. Hawkins also advised the woman to notify her bank and request security tips to safeguard her account. He also urged her to let Service Canada know that her SIN was possibly compromised and report the incident to Equifax Canada.

Here is a list of tips from police on how to prevent fraud and identity theft:

• CRA or Service Canada will never call and threaten you with arrest
• They will never send you emails with a link for your refund
• They will never demand payments with prepaid cards or bitcoin
• CRA will never use text or instant messages
• Don't give personal or financial information out over the phone or via the computer to unknown sources
• Ask the caller for their name, phone number and the company they work for so you can verify their identity
• Do speak to a trusted friend or family member to get a second opinion
• Familiarize yourself with common scams and how they work
• Never turn over large sums of money to anyone

You can also visit the OPS fraud prevention page.

“Anyone can be the victim of fraud, but elderly residents are particularly vulnerable,” said Cst. Hawkins. “Be sure to speak to elderly friends, neighbours or family members about potential frauds and how to avoid them.”