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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2010-04-08, Page 29THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010. PAGE 29.Huron County residents arewarned to be on the lookout for ascam that’s being called the “Charityof Hope” scam in March, which isFraud Prevention Month.A lone male canvasser wasreported to South Bruce County OPP in Huron Township who said he was collecting for the Women’s House of Bruce County with the Charity of Hope. However, after a call was placed to the Women’s House of Bruce County, it was discovered that they currently have no one collecting for them and that door-to-door collection is not something they do. Police say the man identified himself as Gary Miller, appeared to be in his 40s and has grey/blonde hair. This attempt occurred at a residence on Snobelen Trail in the early evening hours of March 16. The OPP is quick to remind that the Charity of Hope is indeed a legitimate and registered charitable organization, but this attempt to collect was not sanctioned by them. If a canvasser is legitimate and collection for the charity is sanctioned, they will always carry identification that clearly states what they are collecting for. If there are any concerns about a particular canvasser, you can always contact the charity before donating. The OPP reminds everyone that March is Fraud Prevention Month and working in co-operation with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, has reported an increase in the reported number of fraud attempts using the traditional emergency scam. The Emergency Scam hasoperated for years as a telemarketingscam throughout North America. As part of the scam, fraudsterscontact potential victims whileposing as a family member or friendin urgent need of cash. Often the scenario involves an accident or arrest while travelling abroad, with a request that cash be sent through a money transfer company, such as Western Union or Money Gram. In the past, fraudsters have successfully targeted grandparents,giving the scam its nickname of“The Grandparents Scam”. In a recent variation of this scam,compromised contact lists fromhijacked e-mail accounts are used tosend the potential victim an “urgent” e-mail request for money from a friend or relative with whom they have a correspondence. Common themes continue to be hospitalization or imprisonment while away from home. The friend or relative is unaware that theiraccount has been used to send outthese requests to everyone on theircontact list. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s statistics for Ontario,in 2009, fraudsters using the Emergency Scam made 225 failed attempts but were successful 61 times which resulted in the victims being defrauded of over $230,000. By the end of February, there have been a reported 96 failed attempts but 23 successful scams reported inOntario. Fraudsters have garnered atotal in excess of $88,000 fromOntarians thus far in 2010. However, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre estimates that thefrauds reported to police only reflect five per cent of the actual number of cases. Anyone with information about attempted scams in the area are asked to call Crimestoppers at 1- 800-222-8477 or the OPP dispatch at 1-888-310-1122. Business Directory PAUL COOK ELECTRIC Home, Farm & Commercial Wiring BELGRAVE 519-357-1537 Affordable CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS Large & Small Trucks fridge carts - piano dollys- moving blankets Complete Selection of Cars Our rates qualify for insurance replacement Passenger Vans full size or mini STRICKLANDS 344 Huron Rd. 519-524-9381 GODERICH 1-800-338-1134 P.O. B OX 127 145 MAIN STREET EAST LISTOWEL, ONTARIO N4W 3H2 PHONE: 519-291-3040 Fax: 519-291-1850 Email: wuca@w-u.on.ca Visit our website www.wardanduptigrove.com TRUCK & TRAILER SERVICE Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7-5; Sat. 8-1 • Light Truck, Automotive Repairs & Certifications • Truck, Trailer & Bus Safety Certifications • All Heavy Truck & Trailer Repairs BLYTH 519-523-9681 1-800-276-4163 24 hours 519-524-0599 Truck & Trailer Repair Facility Supplier of quality parts for trucks, trailers & equipment ~ Light truck & automotive parts ▼▼▼▼▼▼ NEW CONSTRUCTION AGRICULTURAL RENOVATIONS RESIDENTIAL C a l l 519-527-1538 Tarion Home Warranty Builders ZAHND REAL ESTATE LTD. BROKERAGE P.O. Box 38 Listowel, Ontario N4W 3H2 Claude Robin Broker 519-887-6205 Kurt Keller Sales Representative 519-236-7874 www.zahnd.on.ca JAMES BROWN PHARMACY 198 Josephine St., Wingham, Ont. 519-357-1629 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 6 Sat. 9 - 4 Rear Parking Available Delivery available SUNSHINE COUNTRY CONSULTING ACCOUNTING & INCOME TAX SERVICES Ralph Watson 810 Turnberry St., Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 Bus.: 519-887-6011 sunctry@ezlink.ca TREE SERVICE • Tree Trimming & Removal • Aerial Buckets • Snow Removal • Stump Grinding & Removal Free Estimate 24 Hour Emergency Response Cell 519-525-1601 OPP warn to watch out for scam artists With spring here, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning people to be on the look out for fraud. The OPP are reporting that several scams, predominantly aimed at the elderly, have already been attempted in Huron and Bruce Counties, one specifically, has been posing as a water purification system salesman, who has taken hundreds of dollars from his victims, police say. Police say that home repair and maintenance scams “run amuck” at this time of the year, targeting their victims, who are often elderly, with services that are of little or no value to the client. They are often very rude and prey on the weak or those who live alone, police say. The OPP has listed five points to help people avoid this kind of fraud. 1. Always get at least three quotations on any project around the house, regardless of the service or product being purchased or sold. 2. Never sign a contract without checking the credibility of the company or person selling the product or service. 3. Elderly persons or those with little business experience should never sign a contract without running it by a trusted family member, friend or neighbour. 4. Never fully open or unlock your door to anyone you don’t know. Talk through a locked or secured door if you don’t know the person’s identity. If you don’t want them at your door, tell them to go away. If they don’t, call the police. 5. Report suspicious persons or activity to the police immediately. Police say there is no magic to preventing fraud and that if something sounds too good to be true, or even seems a bit strange, it probably is. Anyone with information that can assist police with investigations should call the OPP Dispatch at 1- 888-310-1122 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Spring brings plague of fraud artists The Reuben R. Sallows Gallery is inviting interested volunteers to attend a free forum on April 22 at the REACH Centre in Clinton. Part of Volunteer Appreciation Week, the gallery has partnered with The Blyth Festival, the Heritage and Cultural Partnership and the Huron Small Business Enterprise Centre to deliver a program that brings together current and future volunteers and organizations from the cultural sector to discuss what volunteer opportunities exist in Huron County and how organization can provide a valuable experience to its volunteers. The forum will be divided into two identical sessions, one from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and one from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Each session will include a facilitated discussion between volunteers, addressing issues such as why people volunteer, what keeps volunteers engaged, and what volunteers are seeking to get from the experience. There will also be representatives present with displays from cultural organizations highlighting the exciting and challenging volunteer positions and opportunities available. Participants can share their volunteer experiences and explore ways they can make a difference in the cultural community. Light refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be available. For more information, contact Alison Lobb at 519-527-0305, or alobb@huroncounty.ca. Forum for cultural volunteers planned