Recently, some of our consumers have been victims of an internet scam perpetrated on social media, specifically on Facebook. A consumer received a message claiming to be from the Facebook Help Company about grants available for a fee. No such company exists. The consumers were asked to pay processing fees through a money transfer service with a promise of receiving grant monies. Funds are never made available by first paying fees.

CHS warns consumers to be alert for internet scams such as this one and others like it. It's not always easy to recognize a scam and there are new scams every day.

How do I recognize a scam?

1.     If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. You're told that you can buy into a lottery ticket pool that cannot lose.

2.     They say you must pay or you can't play. "You’re a winner!" but you must agree to send money to the caller in order to pay for delivery, processing, taxes, duties or some other fee in order to receive your prize. Sometimes the caller will even send a courier to pick up your money.

3.     They ask you to give them your private financial information. Be careful about giving out your confidential banking and/or credit card information over the phone or the internet.

4.     Will that be cash... or cash? Often criminal telemarketers ask you to send cash or a money order or use a money transfer company, rather than a cheque or credit card. Cash is untraceable and can't be cancelled.

If you suspect you may be a target of fraud, or have already sent money, don't be embarrassed - you're not alone. Read more on ‘How can I recognize a scam?’ from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

If you want to report a fraud, or if you need more information, contact The Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre on-line at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca, toll free at 1-888-495-8501 or email at info@antifraudcentre.ca.

Sources:

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca