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Watch Out for these Scams

Hey, everyone! I hope you're having a great day. I'm here to warn you about some online scams that are targeting people in Dufferin County. These scams are designed to trick you into giving away your personal or financial information, or paying for something that doesn't exist. Here are some of the most common ones and how to avoid them:

The CRA scam:
You get a phone call, email or text message from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). They say you owe taxes or have a refund waiting for you, and ask you to confirm your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or bank account details. They may threaten you with arrest or legal action if you don't pay up. This is a scam! The CRA will never contact you this way or ask for your personal information. Hang up the phone, delete the message or mark it as spam. If you're not sure, contact the CRA directly using their official website or phone number.

The romance scam:
You meet someone online who seems to be interested in you. They may chat with you for a while, send you photos or videos, and even say they love you. They may also claim to be from another country, working overseas, or in need of money for an emergency. They ask you to send them money through a wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. This is a scam! They are not who they say they are, and they will disappear once they get your money. Never send money to someone you haven't met in person or trust online.

The online shopping scam:
You see an ad for a product or service that looks too good to be true. It may be a brand name item, a rare collectible, or a bargain deal. You click on the link and enter your credit card information or e-transfer the money. But the product never arrives, or it's not what you expected. This is a scam! The seller is either fake or dishonest, and they will not refund your money. Always check the reputation of the seller and the website before buying anything online. Use a secure payment method that offers protection, such as PayPal or a credit card.

These are just some of the online scams that are happening in Dufferin County and across Canada. Don't fall for them! Protect yourself by being alert, skeptical, and informed. If you think you've been scammed or contacted by a scammer, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.

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