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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1995-01-04, Page 8C News and Views Phone scams target loyal people BY MONA IRWIN Signal -Star Publishing (The following conversation was recorded when a Signal -Star reporter called the Montreal phone number given to a woman who had been defrauded of $17,000): "Main reception," chirps a tarry little voice. "Yes, I'd like to speak to Eric Samuel or Frank Newman, please." "Can you hold, please?" she asks, just as exuberant shouting starts at her end of the line. She puts the phone on `hold'. There's a pause - quite a long one, in fact, attended by discordant rock music - then she's back. "Hi there's no one available at the moment can 1 take a message?" she says rapidly. She sounds bored. "That's OK, 1'!1 try again. Do you know when. either one of them will be back in?" "1 really don't know because I'm answering for different companies," she says. She doesn't say what companies she's answering for. "And, uh, neither of those people are available at all." "OK, well, 1'll try calling back later." "11 could be that they're on vaca- tion...you know, the holiday sea- son. Sure. Or it could be that 4 y-'Qever existed, at least not at this telep one number. Because two men, who claimed their names were Eric Samuel and Frank Newman, managed to swindle a 72 -year-old lady out of $17,000, over the past two months. Goderich OPP. said the lady, who lives in the Seafoft area, was called first in late October, by someone calling himself Eric Samuel. He told her she'd one a new Ford Windstar mini -van plus $10,000 cash. The only hitch was, she'd have to send a bank draft for $2,100 before he could send the prizes, he said, and he gave her a Montreal address. So she did. A week_later, she got a call from a Frank Newman. Ile told her she'd won $250,000 (U.S) in cash - but she had to send another bank draft, this one for $15,000, made out to him personally. She balked a little, telling him she couldn't afford it. He generously offered to let her send three pay- ments of $5,000 each over three weeks. Coincidentally, he worked at the same place as Eric Samuel. She sent the bank draft, too. The lady never got her cash or her mini -van. What she got, instead, was a barrage of phone calls offer- ing her TV sets VCRs and trips to Mexico, of oti'Isy she'd forward a little money first. She finally called police. But her $17,000 is gone say auth- orities. "They've either spent or hid the cash," says Goderich OPP Cost. Wayne Moulton. Goderich OPP Const. John Marshall says, "These people are impossible to track. They don't give their own names, for one thing. And anyone can rent a suite or a post office box. They set up a office for a month, then they move, and they don't leave a forwarding address." "It's very lucrative," says OPP Const. Gaston LaForge, from his North Bay office with the Anti - Rackets Branch. LaForge is a specialist in telemarketing fraud. "I'm investigating three people with a total of 15 companies, which has pulled in $15 million" - the takings of some 15,000 over-trtlst- ing people. OPP have this figure because they've gotten search war- rants for the bank records of these companies. (Little or none of the money itself is left.) And a joint forces operation called 'Project Phonebusters' is putting together a case involving these companies. But OPP investigations suggest there are at least 140 fraudulent companies operating out of the Montreal area, (as well as many more out of various U.S. cities), and there's not way of knowing how much money they're drawing - usually from' people who can ill afford to lose it. An elderly Goderich woman was bilked out of $7,000 Dec. 15, by someone using the 'bank inspector' ploy. According to a Goderich Police Service press release, a man called the woman and told her he was a bank inspector investigating "irregularities" in her account. He asked her to got to the bank by taxi, tell the taxi to wait and withdraw a specified amount of cash. She was to put the money in an envelope. If anyone asked about it, she was to say the money was for a family member. She met the 'bank inspector' outside the Zehrs Plaza and turned over ,the money. He thanked her for her help, and then arranged for another taxi to take her home. Shortly afterwards, the same man called the woman again, asking about other accounts she had at different financial institutions m Goderich. She told him of another bank account, and the scam was repeated. The man called the woman afterwards, thanked her for her co-operation and told he would contact her Monday and adelise her of the results of the 'investigation.' There was no follow-up phone call. The man was described as white, 5'6" with a medium build, about 30 years old, clean shaven and with brown short hair, with a black hat, black top coat, white shirt and black dress shoes. "This is the second this year," says Goderich Police Sgt. George Lonsbary. The first was in the spring, and the 'bank inspecor'' ploy was used there too. Beil5re that, he says, he can't recall the last time someone in Goderich was caught be a scam artist. "We've contacted other police services in this district to see if they've had similar occurrences with the same MO (method of operation)," Lonsbary says. Usually police services don't call back if they have nothing to report, but those that do will get together and pool their information. Then they'll draw up a report, which will go to the Anti -Rackets Branch "to see if they've heard of anything similar," says Lonsbary. "If they have, they'll get in touch with us. "A lot of these people (con art- ists) work together. If you get a lead on one, it'll lead to others." Also, with other police services alerted, it's possible that someone may get a licence number, which could be a key link in catching the scam artists. "The key thing is, banks don't operate that way," Lonsbary says. "If there's something wrong with your account, they may call you and invite you to come into the bank and discuss the problem, but they don't operate in this sort of secretive manner. If you do get a phone call like this, warning bells should go off." Police say that fraud artists don't make a point of targeting the elder- ly. But "once they realize they have an elderly person on the phone, they'll do anything to convince that person to give them as much money as :possible," La Forge says. "They'll bleed that person dry. We had a elderly gentleman in the Atlantic Provinces who even rented a warehouse because he expected all these people would show up to give him the cheque he supposedly had won. Town & Country Bowling League December 27, 1 Sweet Adclines - 64 The Twisters - 72 Boy Named Sue - 331 Go-Go's - 36 The Heart Throbs - 46 DJ's - 60/ Women's High Average Susanne Stokes - 178 Women's High Single Betty Dale - 202 Women's High Triple Carol Johnston - 521 Men's High Average George Johnston - 232 Men's High Single George Johnston - 320\ Men's Nigh Triple George Johnston - 744 Personal best for evening: Arie Van Diepen (213); Ralph Johnston (206); Ruth. Duffy (182); Lavern Hoegy (224); Del Altman (174); Gordon Murray (205); Bob Duffy (173); Louise Dick (176); Terry Smith (260); Orville Story (181); Wayne Boyd (181); Sheila Brooker (190); Lloyd Dale (183); Jeff Dick (245); Dwain Forrest (168); Mike Glousher (163); Colleen Staffen (176); Greta Hoegy (146). Hensa/l Ontario THE HURON EXPOSITOR, January 4, 1995-5 Man gets 90 days for molesting daughter A McKillop Twp. man has been sentenced to 90 days in jail, to be served on weekends, after he was convicted of fondling his daugh- ter. The man pleaded not guilty Tuesday, Dec. 13, to six counts of sexually abusing the girl, and was found guilty on three counts. Mr. Justice J.F. McGarry, of London, dismissed the remaining three charges. Sentencing was put off until Dec. 28 so he could spend Christmas with his family. The man cannot be identified to protect the identity of the victim. No injuries reported in rollover A 37 -year-old Seaforth woman was uninjured Monday after her 1994 Jeep Cherokee slid out of control on an icy road and flipped over. Goderich OPP said June Hardie was southbound at 8 a.m. on Cnty. Road 31 in Stanley Twp. when the Councillor upset A Tuckersmith Township Councillor is upset that a televi- sion news report didn't mention Vanastra. Coun. Rob McLeod, who is from Vanastra, said at the Dec. 20 council meeting that a news accident occurred, about 500 metres from Stanley Twp. Sideroad 5-6. The Cherokee went into the west ditch and rolled onto its roof, sustaining severe damage. Police said no charges will he laid. report incorrectly identified the Sherlock -Manning piano factory as being in Clinton. Clerk -Treasurer Jack McLachlan said he would inform the reporter that a mistake was made. CHARGED UP SAVINGS! TTERY SALE C?LLrq ALL TYPES ON SALE! -AUTOMOTIVE •FARM •RV -COMMERCIAL SUPER SPECIAL 34 DT BATTERY .5a 600 Cold Cranking Amps. $5995 Fits all GM & Chrysler vehicles. 111Reg. '89.95. *Sale ends Friday, January 20, 1995. te EDWARD FUELS TEESWATER GODERICH ♦ CLINTON 392-6100 524-8386 482-7381 STRATFORD CYCLE CENTRE Where Service Counts! ARCTIC CAT' YAMAHA The Pusher 'bwerrIbSatisfy Ask about our exclusive.. NKTIC Middegaal PleaB t ..:sit-=• Full Line of Accessories & Clothing SEWA1taRA BRODHAGEN 345- 2248 ON COUNTY ROAD 811 - SNOWMOBILE COUNTRY POLARIS SALES, SERVICE, PARTS 527-0104 234 Main St. N., Seaforth EVERYBODY'S DOIN' IT ▪ ski-doo Engineered For The Way You Ride. • SI(LES TAMMUSEEN:V:' WAS:>;< ... 20 Dover St., Stratford 271-8911 Open 6 Days A Week 'We 'Mike Scare u� wx goal 7(/kea 9t S.eou*a Complete Line Of Accessories & Clothing . Performance Modifications Qualified Technicians New & Used Sleds PLAYERS e f Small Engine Repair R.R. 1 Stratford (East on Vivian St.) BY: CRAIG NICIIQI.SON THIS SPECIAL FEATURE WILL APPEAR THIS SEASON THANKS TO THESE PARTICIPATING RETAILERS PLANNING YOUR SNOWMOBILE HOLIDAY. (c 1994 by Craig Nicholson All rights reserved ) of sr:owmobiling dandy brochure listing resorts specializing in n, then perhaps you're snowmobiling holidays. In addition to full service tour in Ontario this facilities and amenities, these properties can often know where to start arrange rental sleds and gear, guides and tours. By riding out of one central location each day, you have access to new trails and all the comforts of home too. f the magic and freedom captures your imaginatio contemplating a vacation winter. But maybe you don't or how to plan it. Here's the scoop. For general winter tourism and event information, make your first call to 1 -800 -ONTARIO (toll free). This Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Recreation information line can answer your basic questions and provide you with guides to places, lodgings and events to help narrow your options. Then call Ontario's Snowmobiling Hot Line, 1 -800- 263 -SLED (toll free) for snowmobiling information and brochures on your areas of interest. It helps if you have one or two specific destinations and a holiday "timetable already in mind. Don't overlook your home region in this search. After all, some of the best trails and tours.might be in your own backyard. Be sure to ask for a 1995 TOP Trail Map as a -tour planner. Finalize your destination by calling the appropriate regional tourism office at the phone number listed on their brochure to verify details and ask for more information. Then call the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) at 705/739-7669 and ask for the names and phone numbers of the local snowmobile clubs. Don't be afraid to call the club contact to ask area specific questions, snow and trail conditions, staging areas, trail connections and for focal maps. Based on your research, decisions and flexibility, either make a*ance reservations or simply take a list of probable Lodgings and restaurants with you to play it by dor as`}�ou snowmobile. But I'd advise calling ahead each morning to make reservations for that night els many locations are becoming too busy to accommodate ride -in trade. Ask at each overnight stop about the next day's proposed route to determine if your plans, distances, fuel stops and arrival times are realistic. Nit ' L s ' t. • ••'• ALWAYS REMEMBER: The information gathering process should make you a knowledgeable, prepared, confident and relaxed rider. But what if you're still uncomfortable setting out your own? Maybe you just don't want the hassle of trying to do it yourself. Perhaps your plans include family. Or what if you're a novice wanting to try your first snowmobiling holiday? There are several good options. Resorts Ontario (1-800-363-7227, toll free) has a AAFETY FIRST Alternately, "package" tours are available whereby an number of establishments on a trail system get together to market themselves as group. Usually based on a circle tour (starting and ending in the same place), two with brochures are''Round Algonquin Park (RAP), contact 613/756-2324 or Valley SnowTour, contact 613/756-2646. Depending on your time, each tour can run three to seven days. You're on your own during the day's ride, but with reservations, are expected each night at participating lodgings en route. For the more adventurous, there's a unique, three day experience called "Getting Back" (705/569-2933) that combines snowmobiling, wilderness survival training and first class accommodation. But sometimes, you want to be waited on hand and foot. If so, then you should call one of Ontario's many first-rate snowmobile tour companies. Each offers three to eight day all-inclusive guided tours, complete with meals, lodgings and luggage -carrying support vehicles for one fixed price. Similar in concept to Caribbean packed holidays, you are usually responsible for your drinks, gas, sled and repairs, personal gear and trail permits. Sometimes getting there is included, sometimes not. • SERVICE • ACCESSORIES 1'. Miles North of Seaforth Call for a brochure listing tour options and also ask for references - names and phone numbers of previous happy campers. Most operators will also organize custom tours on request. Here's who to contact: Come Play in The Snow, 705/865-3176; C Mac • Snowtours, 1-800-225-4258 (toll free); Ontario Snowcruises, 905/473-9553; Snowmobile Tours Unlimited, 705/436-4537; Snowscape Venture Tours. 705/523-2633. As you can see, there are lots of ways to put'yourself on the snow this winter. And if all else fails, call a friend with a winterized cottage and mooch a free weekend. Until next time, happy trails and remember: Sled Smart - Ride Safe, Ride Sober. For information on local snowmobiling, Snowaramas and clubs, contact the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) at 705/739-7669. To plan your Ontario tour, call 1.800.236 -SLED. - 527-0120 One of the area's Best Selections of Snowmobile Clothing and Accessories KIMPEX PRICED RIGHT! 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