Money is Lost and Reputations Are Harmed by Charity Fraud

Donors and Charities Can Protect One Another

ORILLIA, Ontario, March 29, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Opening your heart and your wallet to someone representing an unfamiliar charity or special interest can be hazardous to your wealth, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

As Fraud Prevention Month nears an end, some charitable fund-raising campaigns are getting into high gear. Warning signs of charity fraud include: high pressure or threatening telemarketers who want you to contribute immediately; a caller thanks you for a pledge you don't remember making; or, the charities have 'copycat names' which are designed to mislead or deceive their targets.

"By nature, Canadians are very generous. However, criminals will ruthlessly use whatever means necessary to prey upon your good intentions for their own selfish purposes." - Deputy Commissioner Scott Tod, OPP Investigations/Organized Crime Command.

In 2011, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received 418 Canadian complaints of charity fraud. Of those, 48 people were victimized to the tune of more than $88-thousand. Police believe only five (5) per cent of victims actually report the crime.

Members of the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch suggest would-be donors consider the following tips on a year-round basis:

...Never give out your personal or financial information over the phone, or at the door. You may wish to make out a cheque payable to the charity. You can mail the cheque later.

...Call the charity. Find out if they know about the appeal and if it is authorized, and what percentage of your donation they will receive. You should never feel pressured into making a donation.

...If you receive a telephone call, ask for the information to be sent to you in writing. Ask how much of your gift will be used directly for the charity. Ask how much will go toward administrative costs. Legitimate charities will have no problem giving you this information.

...Ask if the charity is registered. Contact Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the charitable tax number of the charity. Question any discrepancies.

...At the beginning of each year, decide which charities to support - send your cheques directly to their head office, and feel good about giving. If approached more directly, you can then say that you have already given, and perhaps you will consider their appeal next year when you decide on the charities to support.

"Committing your hard-earned money to charity should be as safe and secure as you intend it to be. Your best defence against charity scams is knowing as much about the charitable organization as possible before you decide to donate." - Detective Inspector Paul Beesley, OPP Anti-Rackets Branch.

Responsible charities can do their part to ensure their representatives carry appropriate identification and have information would-be donors may need for each aspect of their operation, such as about how donations are used.

If you suspect you or someone you know have been approached by a fraudulent representative of a charity, contact your local police service or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.

LEARN MORE

OPP - March is Fraud Prevention Month

Glossary of Pitch Types from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Charity/Donation: Any false, deceptive or misleading solicitation for a donation to a charity, association, federation, or religious cause.

Extortion: Any person who unlawfully obtains money, property or services from a person, entity, or institution, through coercion.

OPP: Lower interest rates may equal more fraud victims

Don't trust offers that are too good to be true!

ORILLIA, Ontario, March 22, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning consumers not to blindly trust phone calls that claim to be able to negotiate significantly lower interest rates on your credit cards or loans.

Members of the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch say this type of "service scam" is becoming more prominent during the tough economic times being experienced by many Canadians. Consumers who get these interest rate reduction offers - sometimes through automatically-dialled "robo-calls" - should listen to them with extreme scepticism because many are scams. What the callers really want is the processing fee, which is usually paid by credit card. Some even follow-up with a fraudulent client acknowledgement or cancellation clause that reimburse the amount EXCLUDING a "retainer fee."

"Criminal telemarketers are relentless and will say anything to come between a vulnerable, unaware person and their money, regardless of the circumstances. Education, awareness and good, old-fashioned common sense are your best defence against becoming a victim." - Deputy Commissioner Scott TOD, OPP Investigations and Organized Crime

In 2011, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received 982 Canadian complaints of criminals who offered lower interest rates either online or over the phone in return for some type of fee. Of those, 173 people were identified as victims who reported a loss of more than $133 thousand. Again, there are likely many more victims but they are reluctant to report the crime.

It's important to note, companies behind these calls can't do anything for you that you can't do for yourself - for free. Indeed, investigators found that people who pay for these services don't get the touted interest rate reductions, don't save the promised amounts, don't pay off their credit card debt three to five times faster, and struggle to get refunds.

If you're looking to reduce interest rates is to call your financial institution or the customer service phone number on the back of your credit card and negotiate. And, if you are tempted by the promises made in a rate reduction 'robo-call', hold off - and hang up.

"You have just as much clout with your credit card issuer as these companies say they do. All the criminals want is easy access to small amounts of money…a pattern they repeat thousands of times a week across the country. Save yourself and your money…simply hang up the phone!" - Detective Inspector Paul Beesley, OPP Anti-Rackets Branch

If you suspect you or someone you know has experienced an interest rate reduction scam or has been the victim of a service scam, contact your local police service or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.

OPP - March is Fraud Prevention Month

Glossary of Pitch Types from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Service Scam: Any false, deceptive, or misleading promotion of services or solicitation for services. These scams typically involve third parties that make offers for telecommunications, internet, financial, medical and energy services. This category of scams may also include, but is not limited to, offers such as extended warranties, insurance and sales services.

Unauthorized Charge: Any consumer's bank account or credit card that is charged for a service or merchandise (which may or may not have been performed and/or received) that was not authorized by the account holder. It may also occur when a consumer provides credit card or banking information to a company offering a free trial for a product. The company does not disclose the billing terms and/or conditions or does not have such details prominently displayed on their website which can result in repeated billing.

CRIME PREVENTION WEEK: "Crime Prevention through Innovation and Technology"

Crime Prevention… It's everyone's business.

ORILLIA, Ontario, November 6, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - With Crime prevention Week underway (November 6 - 12, 2011) the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recognizes the need to utilize technology in its delivery of innovative crime prevention strategies to help engage communities in the prevention of crime.

Public awareness and education initiatives such as the OPP Crime Prevention Section's multi-media and interactive Internet site, the strategic use of Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are excellent examples of innovation and technology tools the OPP uses to assist in crime prevention.

The OPP also provides a variety of school-based and community-based programs designed to provide awareness and prevention tips for safe cyber experiences for children. With more than 94 per cent of children accessing the Internet at home, technology and innovation are paramount to effectively addressing current Internet issues for kids such as netiquette, cyberbullying, security, privacy, risqué texting and gaming.

Internet Exploitation & Threats Prevention is one of a number of important objectives carried out by the OPP Youth Issues Unit and the OPP recently teamed up with the Ontario Physical Health and Education Association (Ophea) to launch Connect[ED]; Real Life Online, an important new program that educates students, teachers and parents about Internet safety.

Through innovation and technology, by educating communities and being proactive in the reduction of crime, the OPP remains dedicated to eliminating the opportunity for crime in support of the OPP's vision of Safe communities - A Secure Ontario.

LEARN MORE

Community Issues: http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=148

Crime Prevention: http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=47

OPP Facebook, Twitter and YouTube websites: www.opp.ca

Connect[ED] Program: http://www.ophea.net/programs-services/more-resources/connected

For more information on Crime Prevention Week please contact your local OPP Detachment.

9 People Arrested for ATM Skimming

WHITBY, Ontario, April 20, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Nine people have been arrested following a 2 month investigation into an organized crime group compromising payment cards at Automated Banking Machines (ABM) across Southern Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) Identity Crimes Unit (ICU), assisted by the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), York Regional Police Service (YRPS), Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), OPP Highway Safety Division, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and OCEB Assets Forfeiture Unit concluded a two month investigation into an organized crime group of Eastern European individuals who were involved in the tampering of Automated Banking Machines (ABM) in order to skim payment card data across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia with some occurrences reported in Nova Scotia. These individuals attach devices to ABM's that enable the capture of debit card data and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) during the legitimate use of banking products by unsuspecting victims. The devices are left in place from one to two hours and then the skimmed data is encoded onto other plastic cards to be used by the perpetrators to access victims' accounts with out their knowledge.

This group is responsible for over 300 tampers which have resulted in losses to victims of approximately two million dollars since September of 2010.

On April 19, 2011, investigators executed 8 search warrants and affected 9 arrests in Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, Toronto and St. Catherines. Police seized 3 vehicles as offence related property and seized ABM overlays, forged payment cards, property obtained by crime, cocaine and a quantity of cash. ABM overlays are devices placed on machines in order to capture payment card data and customer Personal Identification Numbers.

Charged in relation to this investigation are:

Robert DESLIPPE , male, 30 years old of St Catherines is charged with Fraud Over $5000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Possession of Instrument for use in forging credit cards, Possession and Use of Credit Card Data, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Participation in a Criminal organization, Theft of Credit Card Data and Purposely Possess Identification Information.

Arthur CAMPBELL, male, 32 years old of St Catherines is charged with Fraud Under $5000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Possession of Instrument for use in forging credit cards, Possession and Use of Credit Card Data, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Participation in a Criminal organization, Theft of Credit Card Data and Purposely Possess Identification Information.

Valentin MOLDOVAN, male, 21 years old of Richmond Hill is charged with Fraud Over $5000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Possession of Instrument for use in forging credit cards, Possession and Use of Credit Card Data, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Participation in a Criminal organization, Theft of Credit Card Data and Purposely Possess Identification Information.

Radu OPREA, male, 33 years old of no fixed address is charged with Fraud Over $5000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Possession of Instrument for use in forging credit cards, Possession and Use of Credit Card Data, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Participation in a Criminal organization, Theft of Credit Card Data and Purposely Possess Identification Information.

Laura IOANA, female, 24 years old of Vaughan is charged with Fraud Over $5000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Possession of Instrument for use in forging credit cards, Possession and Use of Credit Card Data, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Participation in a Criminal organization, Theft of Credit Card Data and Purposely Possess Identification Information.

Ioan Florin TANASA, male, 35 years old of no fixed address is charged with Fraud Over $5000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Possession of Instrument for use in forging credit cards, Possession and Use of Credit Card Data, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Participation in a Criminal organization, Theft of Credit Card Data and Purposely Possess Identification Information.

Paul GALATAN, male, 25 years old of no fixed address is charged with Fraud Over $5000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Possession of Instrument for use in forging credit cards, Possession and Use of Credit Card Data, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Participation in a Criminal organization, Theft of Credit Card Data and Purposely Possess Identification Information.

Dragos Catalin NEACSY, male, 33 years old of no fixed address is charged with Possession of Cocaine

Christian IOANA, male, 27 years old of no fixed address is charged with Fraud Over $5000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Possession of Instrument for use in forging credit cards, Possession and Use of Credit Card Data, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Participation in a Criminal organization, Theft of Credit Card Data and Purposely Possess Identification Information.

The accused were held for bail hearings at the Durham Region Court house located at 150 Bond Street East in Oshawa.


Detective Sergeant Doug Cousens of the Identity Crimes Unit states, "this is another example of the integrated efforts of police agencies working together to identify and capture those individuals responsible for this emerging crime trend. Identity theft costs Canadians hundreds of millions of dollars each year." Police continue to work with the banking industry to detect and prevent identity crimes

Police caution the public to always be alert and aware when using their respective bank debit and/or credit cards and to take the time to get familiar with the appearance of the ABM they regularly use. You will find a number of tips and contacts at the OPP Fraud Prevention links.

Fraud Can Cost You and Legitimate Charities

Money Can be Lost and Reputations Harmed

FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.

ORILLIA, Ontario, April 5, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - In Canada, we have a long tradition of donating money to legitimate charities during various fund raising appeals. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want to remind you to be wary and careful before opening your heart and your wallet to someone representing an unfamiliar charity or special interest.

"By nature, we are generous people. Committing your hard-earned money to charity should be as safe and secure as you intend it to be in order to reach the people or causes you want to help." - Deputy Commissioner Scott Tod, OPP Investigations/Organized Crime Command.

Each year, millions of people are contacted - at the door, by mail, by phone, or by e-mail - by those who use names or causes that are very close to the names of legitimate and respected charities. By approaching you at your residence, you may feel even more urgency or pressure to donate. These people may actually be fraud artists preying on your generous nature.

"Criminals will ruthlessly use whatever means necessary to prey on your good intentions for their own selfish purposes. Awareness about the charitable organizations you want to donate to is your best defence against these scams." - Detective Inspector Bernie Murphy, OPP Anti-Rackets Branch.

Throughout the year, the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch recommends that would-be donors consider the following tips:

...If you receive a telephone call, ask for the information to be sent to you in writing. Ask how much of your gift will be used directly for the charity. Ask how much will go toward administrative costs. Legitimate charities will have no problem giving you this information.

...Never give out your personal or financial information over the phone, or at the door. You may wish to make out a cheque payable to the charity. You can mail the cheque later.

...Call the charity. Find out if they know about the appeal and if it is authorized, and what percentage of your donation they will receive. You should never feel pressured into making a donation.

...Ask if the charity is registered. Contact Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) at 1-800-267-2384. Ask CRA for the charitable tax number of the charity. Question any discrepancies.

...At the beginning of each year, decide which charities to support - send your cheques directly to their head office, and feel good about giving. If approached more directly, you can then say that you have already given, and perhaps you will consider their appeal next year when you decide on the charities to support.

If you suspect a fraud artist is at work, file a complaint by calling your local police or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or visit online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca