North Bay Police Warning Public

The North Bay Police Service is warning the public about an increase in scam calls claiming to provide fire safety planning and free gifts.

The North Bay Police Service is warning the public to be aware of recent scams in which individuals are contacted by individuals claiming to provide free fire safety planning and offering free gifts, such as fire blankets. The scammers ask to set up home visits so they can tour the victim’s home to help devise a fire safety plan. The reported incidents are being investigated by the North Bay Police Service.

The North Bay Fire and Emergency Service is not responsible for these calls and is not aware of any legitimate companies operating in the area that provide such services. If you receive one of these calls, hang up or ignore the call. Do not let strangers into your house.

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 rental fraud:

• Don’t be afraid to say no and hang up. 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, such as the North Bay Fire and Emergency Service, call that organization through their publicly listed phone number to confirm the information you received on the call.
  • Scammers are often able to “spoof” a legitimate organization’s phone number or e-mail when they contact you, making them seem legitimate. Never be afraid to hang up and call the organization’s publicly listed number yourself later.
• Don’t give out personal information including your name, address, birthdate, Social Insurance Number, or credit card or banking information to strangers.
• Do not let strangers into your home. If you cannot verify someone’s identity and if you don’t know and trust them, you should not let them into your home.
• 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.

How to submit a tip

Anyone with information that may assist police with ongoing fraud investigations is asked to call the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and press 5 to speak with an officer. For those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Near North Crime Stoppers, by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.