City police are reminding us to be wary of scammers.
The Sarnia Police Service has recently received several reports of different scams targeting area residents.
"We've seen a bit of an uptick, either with people calling in and saying I've sent out these gift cards for payment or people just calling in to say they received this phone call, and what should they do," said Cst. John Sottosanti.
Police said they involve scare tactics claiming social insurance numbers or credit cards have been compromised and threaten the victim with arrest.
Other scams claim the resident owes a certain amount of money or they could be charged.
The scammer then tells the victim to make payment through non-traditional methods including bit-coin or with Apple gift cards, which are not traceable and your money cannot be retrieved.
Cst. Sottosanti reminds residents that no legitimate company would ask for payment in this manner. If you receive one of these calls, hang up and delete suspicious emails.
"If you don't give out any information, no money is given out or lost or SIN number or credit card number given out, then we recommend you hang up immediately and disregard that call or email that you received. " said Sottosanti. "You do not need to call the police if you have not lost any money, or didn't give out any information."
If you have provided personal information or sent money to someone and suspect you were scammed, you can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
