RENFREW COUNTY (Pembroke) — The Upper Ottawa Valley Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to warn businesses and their employees of a “head office” scam that has recently surfaced in the area. The scammer calls a business and claims to be from the head or corporate office. They may also insist they know the business owner or manager.
The scammer then requests money from the employee for various reasons including payment for an important shipment of goods to the business. The employee is pressured to pay, with business or personal funds, or else the business will incur heavy financial penalties if payment is not made. Forms of payment requested can include wire transfers and pre-paid credit cards. In fact, there is no incoming shipment requiring payment. In the past week two business employees have fallen victim to this scam the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment area.
How can you protect yourself?
- Beware of unsolicited calls from people presenting an urgent situation requiring immediate attention
- Educate employees at every level to be wary of unsolicited calls
- Give authority to only some staff to approve purchases and pay bills
- Make sure employees know how to verify requests for money before making payment
If a scam artist contacts you or if you have been defrauded contact your local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
