Ottawa police warning businesses of new fraud

Ottawa Police are warning that a new fraud scheme is targeting businesses and hotels in the Ottawa area.

Police say that the fraud always follows the same pattern. First, a scammer who is usually male will call the business claiming to be the owner or manager. They then state that there are bills that need to be urgently paid.

Investigators say the fraudster will then tell the employee to grab funds from the register, safe or office and deposit it into a bitcoin machine or to Western Union.

Police say in some reported incidents, the scammer knew employee names and common business practices to make their story seem more real.

Investigators want to remind the public that no government agency or legitimate business will ever ask anyone to buy gift cards or bitcoin to pay off an account.

Police say that if you have been a victim of fraud, please make an online report with the Ottawa Police Service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by phone at 1-888-495-8501.