March 19: Hamilton Police Warn Public About Scammers

The Hamilton Police are warning the public about COVID-19 related scams. This post, from March 19, contains the latest information from the Government of Canada’s Anti-Fraud Centre.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis it is unfortunate that there are some who are using this time of uncertainty to scam others. Hamilton Police notified the public via social media that they are receiving reports that it is happening locally.

For more information, please continue reading below…

On March 19, the Hamilton Police sent out the following tweet:

Followed by this after a question from the public:

In light of this news, our office wants to share ways to avoid becoming a victim of fraud and steps to take if you receive these types of messages. For more information on fraud and how to report fraud to the Hamilton Police, please click here.

Below is a bulletin alert from the Government of Canada’s Anti-Fraud Centre.

COVID-19 fraud

Protect yourself, beware of:

  • Spoofed government, healthcare or research information
  • Unsolicited calls, emails and texts giving medical advice or requesting urgent action or payment
    • If you didn’t initiate contact, you don’t know who you’re communicating to
    • Never respond or click on suspicious links and attachments
    • Never give out your personal or financial details
  • Unauthorized or fraudulent charities requesting money for victims, products or research
  • High-priced or low-quality products purchased in bulk by consumers and resold for profit
    • These items may be expired and/or dangerous to your health
  • Questionable offers, such as:
    • miracle cures
    • herbal remedies
    • vaccinations
    • faster testing
  • Fake and deceptive online ads, including:
    • cleaning products
    • hand sanitizers
    • other items in high demand

Reported scams

Fraudsters are posing as:

  • Cleaning or heating companies
    • offering duct cleaning services or air filters to protect from COVID-19
  • Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies
    • threatening to disconnect your power for non-payment
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization
    • offering fake lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighbourhood
  • Public Health Agency of Canada
    • giving false results saying you have been tested positive for COVID-19
    • tricking you into confirming your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription
  • Red Cross and other known charities
    • offering free medical products (e.g. masks) for a donation
  • Government departments
    • sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails
    • tricking you into opening malicious attachments
    • tricking you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details
  • Financial advisors
    • pressuring people to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease
    • offering financial aid and/or loans to help you get through the shut downs
  • Door-to-door sales people
    • selling household decontamination services
  • Private companies
    • offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale
      • Only hospitals can perform the tests
      • No other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results
    • selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease
      • Unapproved drugs threaten public health and violate federal laws

Trusted resources and advice

  • Reference the latest health information from these legitimate sources:
  • Contact your insurance provider to answer any health insurance questions
  • Make sure you have anti-virus software installed and keep your operating system up to date

Questions or concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Ward 8 office here

Councillor John-Paul Danko