Summer sees jump in fraud across Durham
By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express
In recent months, the warnings have come out in a flurry.
The Durham Regional Police, the City of Oshawa and the Region of Durham have all been trying to get the word out to residents regarding an array of fraud activities that have struck the region this summer.
These scams include the sale of water treatment products or filters, individuals claiming to be with the Region of Durham asking to check water metres as well as recent instances of cheque fraud.
In recent weeks, the DRPS have seen an increase in cases of people being confronted outside of banks by individuals asking them to cash a cheque on their behalf. Once the cheque is cashed and the money is handed over, it eventually turns out the cheque is declined from the bank.
The scam has DRPS reminding residents never to cash a cheque for a stranger and if approached to instead contact police.
Another scam that has seen a resurgence in recent weeks is individuals claiming to work with the Region of Durham, asking to enter residences in order to examine water meters. In many cases, these individuals imply they are working with the region and claim that the water inspection and in-house test is mandatory. A similar tactic is used by other fraudsters who claim to be selling water treatment products or filters.
“Several residents have contacted the Region regarding phone calls they received from people claiming to be from the Region’s Water Department trying to arrange an appointment to inspect the pipes,” says Susan Siopis, commissioner of works. “These phone calls are not from the Region of Durham. The Region provides clean, safe drinking water, which meets provincial water quality standards. Our water undergoes daily monitoring and testing, and does not require further filtration or monitoring at residents’ expense.”
In other instances, these requests are made by individuals going door-to-door.
According to George Tudos, a spokesperson with DRPS, instances of this scam have been prevalent in recent weeks. However, fraud cases are typically difficult to track.
“It’s hard to track these things down,” he says. “Obviously we look into them when we get these types of call, but we are receiving a lot of them.”
At the regional level, Durham staff state there are a number of steps to follow if someone appears at their door claiming to be with the Region of Durham. Including requesting identification, calling the named company to confirm the visit is legitimate, never provide any personal information or feel pressured into signing contracts on the spot, and to remember that the region will never test water in your house with a scheduled appointment.
Further information can be found on the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.