Police warn about two new scams involving late utility payments and pets
Police are warning residents about a couple of scams, one involving multiple suspects posing as utility company workers who allege the victim has late payments.
According to South Simcoe Police, the fraudster told an Innisfil resident to take money out of a Barrie mall ATM and bring the cash to a gas station.
The suspect threatened the resident with disconnecting their home's power supply if they refused.
Police say the victim didn't fall for the ruse and instead reported the fraud.
Police advise getting the name of anyone claiming to be from a utility company and calling the company directly to confirm the legitimacy.
They also suggest checking your utility bill for company information.
The second scam involves a dog advertised for sale on Facebook.
Police say the victim sent an e-transfer to pay for the pup, but when they showed up to the Newmarket address to pick up the animal, they realized the ad was a fake.
South Simcoe Police say it's best not to send money, gift cards, wire transfers or Bitcoin before seeing a pet in person or via video call. Even then, police say it's "nearly impossible" to get that money back once sent.
Residents are encouraged to notify the police of all scams to prevent others from becoming victims of fraud.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.