A reminder from the OPP to recognize, reject and report fraud. Police are reminding the public to always verify who you’re dealing with before sending any money to anyone, anywhere for any reason. In our region the OPP have responded to numerous calls for service from sports associations and clubs. Most of the victims receive emails from fraudsters who impersonate a senior executive or president of the organization / club, by imitating email addresses. Fraudsters send realistic-looking emails that try to trick the treasurer of the association or club into wiring money to a third party though e-transfer. The emails will make the request sound urgent and confidential and can cost organizations tens of thousands of dollars. CEO scams are a growing trend that targets small businesses, associations, clubs and large corporations alike.
Tips to protect yourself:
Verify the sender’s email address-scammers will often create web based addresses that are very similar to legitimate ones, with just one or two different letters.
Encourage your association or club to create a standard process for money transfers that requires multiple levels of approvals and confirmation.
Limit the details you share publicly. Fraudsters use information that’s available online and on social media to find potential victims and to time their fraud.
If you or someone you know suspect they’ve been a victim of the CEO Scam, contact your local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or report the incident online athttps://www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm