The Ontario Provincial Police have issued another warning about fraud, but what makes this one different is that the fraudsters impersonated a safety and fire inspector.
The OPP's West Region Headquarters said a spear phishing fraud was reported to police last Friday after a business in Ingersoll lost $2,000.
Police said the fraudster, who said he was a safety and fire inspector, demanded advanced payment for supposed inspection-related supplies. He contacted an employee directly, claimed payment was required urgently, and instructed the worker not to tell their manager. They then sent the employee QR codes linked to cryptocurrency wallet addresses and directed the worker to deposit the funds at a cryptocurrency ATM located at a local business.
The employee believed the request was legitimate and deposited the funds.
Now, the OPP is offering businesses tips to avoid becoming the next victim.
While some inspections are unannounced, all legitimate inspectors will have proper photo ID. Real inspectors do not collect cash or credit card payments on the spot, and they don't request cryptocurrency. Spear phishing scams rely on anxiety, and will use fear tactics to motivate their victims to pay, and authentic inspectors won't ask for sensitive, private information over the phone or at an initial meeting.
Businesses should always verify credentials by asking for an inspector's identification. Never pay on the spot, and train workers to refer inspectors to a manager.
All fraud and cybercrime should be reported to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
