Fraudulent Solicitations
The police officers of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) wish to make seniors aware of the measures they can take to protect themselves against various forms of fraud.
Malicious people may take advantage of the isolation and vulnerability of some people to defraud them. This is why the SPVM is calling on the vigilance of seniors and their loved ones to ensure their safety.
If a relative, neighbour or other person offers to do you a favour, they are most likely well-intentioned. In order to protect you against certain mal-intentioned individuals, the SPVM would like to remind you of certain prevention tips and possible recourses in the event of fraud.
- Be informed of recent scams and fraud by visiting the ‘Scams by A-Z Index’ page available on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's website.
- Be vigilant if someone solicits you or offers you a service you did not request. Check their expectations: are they soliciting you on behalf of an organization or company? Is it for free, on a volunteer basis, or do they want to be paid?
- Ask questions, and if you are interested in the service, ask the person for their phone number to call back and the name of the organization or company they work for, if applicable.
- Take the time to verify the information the person has given you by calling the company or organization if necessary. Check whether they are registered or if they are the subject of complaints with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (‘Quebec construction board’) or the Office de la protection du consommateur (‘Consumer Protection Office’).
- Before accepting, find out the usual prices for the services offered to you. If an offer seems too good to be true, beware, it is probably a scam.
- Find out about the payment method for the service you are accepting. Never give your debit card to someone who offers to go to your financial institution's ATM to make a withdrawal for you. Your personal information and personal identification numbers (PINs) must remain confidential; never disclose them to anyone else.
- Avoid letting anyone into your home or leaving them unattended. A malicious person could take advantage of your inattention to steal from you.
In case of fraud, you can report it to your local police department. To contact your neighbourhood police station (PDQ), dial 514 280-01XX (XX corresponding to the number of your PDQ). For any emergency, call 9-1-1.
Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to report fraud by calling 1 888 495-8501 or directly on their website at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
If you are a victim of fraud, whether or not you report it to the police, you have the right to access the services of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for Victims of Crime (CCAFC). You can contact CAVAC at 514 277-9860, or visit their website cavac.qc.ca for more information.
