Ontario residents are being warned about several fraud schemes circulating this month, including fake cellphone upgrades, fraudulent rental listings, parking ticket phishing messages and scams involving people posing as psychics or spiritual healers.
This Durham Region scam alert highlights four schemes residents should recognize as fraudsters continue using phone calls, text messages, online advertisements and social engineering to obtain money, personal information or valuable devices.
Cellphone upgrade scam can leave victims with large bills
Police have warned about scammers impersonating representatives of legitimate telecommunications companies. Victims may receive an unexpected call offering a discounted plan, free device or account upgrade.
The caller may already know some account information, making the offer appear authentic. In some cases, victims are persuaded to order phones, tablets or other devices through their real provider account.
After the device arrives, the scammer claims there was an error and tells the victim to return it using a prepaid label or QR code. The return information actually redirects the package to the fraudster, while the victim remains responsible for financing charges and service fees.
Residents should verify unexpected offers or return instructions directly with their provider using an official phone number, website, app or store.
Rental scams use convincing listings and fake landlords
Another scheme involves fraudulent apartment listings. Scammers may advertise a property online, arrange a viewing and even have someone at the unit pose as a tenant or landlord representative.
Victims are then asked to sign an agreement and send a deposit by e-transfer. When move-in day arrives, they discover the property was never available and the supposed landlord has disappeared.
Anyone searching for housing should independently verify who owns or manages a property before sending money. Pressure to pay immediately or avoid normal verification steps should be treated as a warning sign.
Fake parking ticket messages target Ontario residents
The Durham Region scam alert also includes phishing texts and emails claiming the recipient has an unpaid parking ticket.
These messages often include a payment link and may use government or municipal language to appear legitimate. Ontario has warned residents about an ongoing scam posing as the provincial government to collect unpaid parking fines.
Recipients should not click suspicious links or enter financial information. Anyone unsure about a ticket should verify it through their municipality or another official government channel rather than using contact details supplied in the message.
Psychic and spiritual healer fraud uses fear
Police have also investigated scams in which someone claims to be a psychic, fortune teller or spiritual healer. The fraudster may build trust and then warn that the victim or a loved one faces serious harm unless money is paid for rituals, protection or other services.
Toronto police recently described one such investigation in which a suspect allegedly used frightening claims and elaborate rituals to obtain money from a victim. Police believe there may be additional victims.
How Durham residents can protect themselves
The four schemes use different stories, but the warning signs are similar: unexpected contact, pressure to act quickly, requests for money or sensitive information, and instructions that are difficult to independently verify.
Durham residents should stop and verify unexpected requests through official channels before sending money, sharing account details or shipping valuables. People who believe they have been targeted can contact their local police service and report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
This Durham Region scam alert is a reminder that even convincing messages, professional-looking listings and callers with some personal information should not automatically be trusted.
