OPP is warning the public, particularly seniors, about a fraud circulating. If you receive any unsolicited communication by any means asking for money to be given, be cautious and suspicious.
There is a group claiming to be part of Consumer Protection Ontario or other variations of the name. This group has been targeting members of the seniors' community, asking questions about their heating and air conditioning equipment. They offer to help by lowering payments and removing the Notices of Security Interest.
"The fraudster offers to come to people's homes to take pictures of their existing equipment as a way for them to get into your home," says A/Sgt. Phil Young. "They will never actually attend. They use the term 'Greener Homes' in an e-mail address which is a reference to a federal rebate program."
The Government of Ontario will never contact you directly to ask for your personal information such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your banking information or your health information. The Government of Ontario will never offer you money or sign you up for a rebate program.
If you receive such a phone call, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free). If you are unsure if it is a scam, contact Consumer Protection Ontario. If you have questions about your consumer rights, they can be reached, toll-free at 1-800-889-9768 or toll-free TTY at 1-877-666-6545. You can also contact Consumer Protection Ontario via their website at www.Ontario.ca
