FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 20, 2015 3:30pm
(Ottawa) —The Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Section is sharing information about a new scam that may be used to steal your identity.
In this scam, a victim is contacted by letter in regular mail delivery. The letter claims that a company registered with the victim’s home address, is in arrears in their bills to a second company, and that the company is now demanding payment. The victim – who does not have any knowledge of the company – begins to suspect that their identity has been stolen to set up said company.
The letter has a contact number for more details. When the victim calls this number, he/she will speak to a “clerk” and asked to provide an Identification number, which is printed on the already received letter. The “clerk” then claims to be able to pull up more information about the matter and e-mails the victim a form titled as “ID Theft Affidavit”.
This form asks the victim to provide personal information, including date of birth, SIN and Drivers License numbers and photocopies of photo ID. The bottom of the form typically states: “Do Not Send Affidavit to the FTC or any other Government Agency”. This strange statement should raise alarm bells with readers.
“The Ottawa Police want to warn the public about providing personal information to “ghost” companies,” said Fraud Unit Staff Sergeant Stephanie Burns. “When in doubt, contact a credit company to determine if there are any discrepancies in your credit history.”
You can view more Fraud Prevention tips at www.ottawapolice.ca
Anyone with information regarding this type of identity fraud is asked to call the Ottawa Police Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, ext.5433. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.
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CONTACT:
Media Relations Section
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366