Fraud Awareness for Norfolk
Fraud is thriving in Norfolk, according to Constable Ed Sanchuk, Media Relations/Community Services Officer for the Norfolk Detachment of the O.P.P. Everyone suffers when someone is defrauded – the cost is borne by us all, although is especially painful for the defrauded individual.
Constable Sanchuk related several striking anecdotes of how people are being defrauded, right under our noses. The most prevalent forms of fraud in Norfolk currently include:
1. Home renovation fraud – victims may pay up to 4 times the fair value for renovations
2. Hot water heater rental fraud
3. Vacation scams – various forms, but telemarketers may just hack into your phone to steal long distance use
4. Water or air purification scams
5. Vacuum sales scams
6. Computer and e-mail scams
7. Power of attorney fraud – children taking advantage of elderly parents
8. Identity theft - some credit cards allow a fraudster to scan your information while standing close to your wallet
9. Mail fraud – stealing from your mailbox
10. Disposal of personal information – buy a good shredder!
11. Credit/debit card skimming – hide the keypad when you enter PIN, and change your PIN every 3 months
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