The government will not ask you to buy gift cards to help with Hurricane Fiona relief efforts.
That’s according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) and OPP, who are warning about fraudsters trying to cash in on the storm.
“The CAFC is receiving reports of suspects calling victims claiming to be from the government and offering financial assistance for flooding caused by Hurricane Fiona,” a statement on their website reads. “Suspects are asking for personal information and will ask you to purchase gift cards. This is a scam! The government will not call you and ask for personal information or for gift card payments.”
The CAFC says some of the things they’ll ask for include your name, your address, your birth date, your account information and/or your social insurance number (SIN).
Once you provide this information, the scammer may use it for identity fraud.
The CAFC warns never provide personal information over the phone, online or through email in response to an unsolicited request.
