WPS briefs – Police warning of two new scams in the city

Lee Griffi, Editor

Scammers impersonating City of Woodstock employees

The Woodstock Police Service is advising residents of reports involving suspicious phone calls from individuals posing as City of Woodstock employees or city contractors.

In these incidents, callers contact residents claiming they need to conduct work in the area, arrange a survey, or state that they require entry into the resident’s home as part of city-related work.

Police are issuing this alert as a precautionary measure due to concerns that callers may be attempting to gather personal information or gain unauthorized access to homes under the guise of legitimate city work.

“City of Woodstock employees or contractors will not request entry into a residence through unsolicited phone calls. Legitimate city staff and contractors do not pressure residents for access. Be cautious of callers asking about occupancy, schedules, interior layouts, or access points,” said a WPS press release.

Police are advising residents not to allow unexpected individuals into their homes.

“Do not share personal or household information with unsolicited callers. Verify any city-related work directly with the City of Woodstock using official contact information and when in doubt, decline access and contact police,” added the release.

Police say if you do receive a call like this or someone attends your home, do not engage or provide access and contact the Woodstock Police Service at 519-537-2323.

Second scam involves crown attorney’s office

Police are also warning residents about an ongoing fraud involving scammers impersonating the Woodstock Crown Attorney’s Office.

In this scam, people receive phone calls from someone claiming to be from the Crown’s office. The call display may appear to show the legitimate office phone number, 519-537-2611, and scammers may use the names of real Crown Attorneys or claim to be working with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

“The scammers say you are a victim of identity theft, you must urgently verify your identity or protect your funds. You are instructed to make payments using so-called government-approved ATMs, often Bitcoin machines, or to deposit cash into a drop box,” said a police press release. “You may be sent QR codes or documents that appear to be on official letterhead.”

Police add members of the Crown Attorney’s Office and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre do not contact people directly asking for payments, withdraw cash, use Bitcoin machines, scan QR codes, or deposit money into drop boxes.

“Once money is deposited into Bitcoin machines, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recover,” added the release.

Police say residents need to be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails and should not trust caller ID alone, as numbers can be spoofed.

“Do not use phone numbers, websites, links, or QR codes provided by the caller. Verify information independently using trusted sources,” said police.

If you believe you’ve been contacted or victimized, contact the Woodstock Police Service at 519-537-2323 and call your financial institution immediately.