Daycare Scam on Social Media

The North Bay Police Service has received calls about a daycare scam that has been posted to social media.

The on-line link for a company called “Happy Hearts Child Care” advertises childcare in our area at an affordable rate. Once the individual clicks on the link, the scammers engage in conversation through private messaging. During the conversation, detailed child information, as well as a deposit are required to move forward with the application to get onto a wait list. The post is then removed and is posted in another city. In one case $250 was paid as a deposit.

The North Bay Police Service is reminding the public to be careful about giving out any private information on-line about yourself or family members. Personal information, credit card information or banking or financial information should never be given out unless the source is known and trusted.

Red Flags

Scammers are adaptable and talented at changing their methods in order to defraud victims, but a few things to look out for in order to protect yourself from frauds include:

• “Free” or “special” offers, or the offer of gifts with a purchase. Remember: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Scammers will often use high-pressure tactics to force you to make a quick decision. Always remember to “Take 5, Tell 2.” Take five minutes to yourself to think through whether or not the offer seems legitimate and tell two people you know and trust about the offer to get their thoughts.

Tips

Remember to follow these tips to help protect yourself against fraud:

• Don’t be afraid to say no and hang up or disengage. Don’t be intimidated if scammers try to pressure you into making quick decisions.
• Never pay with gift cards. No reputable organization will ever ask you to pay with gift cards for any reason.
• Contact the organization at a publicly listed phone number. If a scammer is claiming they are from a legitimate business or organization, call that organization through their publicly listed phone number to confirm the information you received on the call.
• Don’t give out personal information including your name, or the names of any family members, address, birthdate, Social Insurance Number, or credit card or banking information to strangers.
• Do not feel ashamed if you have been victimized by a scammer. Scammers are very talented at using new technology and methods to defraud victims. If you have been victimized by a scammer, report the incident to police.

How to Report

The North Bay Police Service encourages anyone who has been defrauded to contact police at 705-497-5555 and press 5 to speak with an officer. You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report a fraud online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.