Timmins Police are thinking that phone scam artists are taking advantage of the panic caused by COVID-19.
They’ve been made aware that at least one person in the city got a call from someone purporting to represent a utility company, threatening to cut the person off if payment on arrears isn’t made immediately.
Communications coordinator Marc Depatie says before that would happen for real, you would get several written notices in the mail.
“The best course of action is to remain calm,” Depatie advises. “Hang up on the person, report the matter to the anti-fraud centre and check with your own utility independently to confirm the status of your account.”
“The insistent nature of fraudsters when they engage in this type of activity,” he continues, “causes people to make bad decisions. You have to remain calm at all times in order not to become a victim.”
Use this link to connect with the anti-fraud centre.