Business Email Compromise Frauds

The Greater Sudbury Police Service would like to educate local area businesses and government agencies on a trending fraud scheme.

To date, several businesses and agencies have fallen victim to business email compromises resulting in approximately $500,000 in losses.

Business email compromise frauds are perpetrated when a hacker gains access to an email server and then monitors communication between customers and suppliers.

When the hacker learns of a large purchase, an email will be sent from a legitimate email address within the organization by the hacker requesting a change in payment method. The customer will be asked to e-transfer or wire funds to a new bank account. The new account does not belong to the legitimate supplier, but to an account maintained by organized crime.

To circumvent this trending crime, the Greater Sudbury Police are requesting that suppliers contact customers by phone to verify the request for change in payment method and confirm with their IT department or email service provider the existence of up-to-date security software capable of detecting and preventing unauthorized access.

Know Your Mover

The Greater Sudbury Police Service encourages you to Know Your Mover.

We've recently received complaints regarding fraudulent moving companies and brokerages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whether you are moving across town or across province, choosing a mover should not be taken lightly. Finding a trusted and reliable mover is even more important during the current COVID-19 pandemic. As with other sectors, the moving industry is also experiencing those who are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers.
Common complaints include improper insurance protection, damaged or missing items, bills that were higher than estimates, late deliveries or failure to deliver items and in some cases, goods held hostage for additional payments.

Unfortunately, brokerages or fly-by-night and no-name "truck-for-hire" types can take advantage of the fact that consumers are under emotional, financial and time pressures when moving.

This is why it’s important when entrusting someone you don’t know with your life belongings, that you do some fact checking and not always go with the cheapest price. This could be the costly move!

 Tips from the Canadian Association for Movers (CAM) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB):
  • Check out the company's rating with BBB and standing with CAM. BBB and CAM provide trustworthy and relevant information about moving companies and contractors.
  • Ask the mover about replacement valuation protection. Replacement valuation protection (RVP) is the total value of a shipment based on the weight of the goods you are moving. Generally, you have two choices – refuse any protection coverage or arrange for full valuation protection at an additional, but necessary cost.
  • Get it in writing. Get three written estimates from different movers based on personal visits to your home or, most commonly during the pandemic, virtual surveys.
  • Talk about the money. Find out how and when payment is required. Many companies may ask for up to a 10 per cent deposit to secure your moving date and then require the remaining payment before your belongings are delivered. Beware of being required to pay the full cost upfront!
  • Assess and Inspect. Assess your current and new residence for any accessibility challenges and discuss with your mover to determine if accessibility will be an issue.
  • Prepare for damage. Though trustworthy movers are trained to handle your belongings and your home with care, it is difficult to move an entire household without at least some damage. Be sure to inquire about inadmissible and non-protected items. It’s best to take valuables such as photos, jewelry and currency with you. Determine what is covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy and your replacement valuation protection through the moving company.
  • Watch for red flags. If a mover doesn't provide replacement valuation protection details, a company street address, proof of worker's compensation or a GST/HST number, keep looking for a mover. If you are getting a "funny feeling" about your mover, cancel the move and find a new mover. Keep all of your emails until your move is complete and you are satisfied.

If you do have concerns about a company and its practices, you are encouraged to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and Canadian Association for Movers; this can help track companies for others and provide you with guidance and possible resolutions.

If you have been the victim of a moving scam you can report it to the GSPS via our online reporting system.
If you need assistance finding a reputable moving company or have questions or complaints regarding a company and their process you can contact both at:
Toll Free: 1-866-860-0065

Better Business Bureau

Telephone: 613‑237‑4856

Toll Free: 1‑877‑859‑8566

Don't get scammed!

Thousands of Canadians are defrauded each year. Scam artists are up to date and well-organized. They use the latest trends and sophisticated techniques such as:

  • Professional marketing materials
  • Well-crafted and researched telephone scripts, which are traded among criminals
  • Friendly tone and "Generous" offers
  • Believable answers for your tough questions
  • Ability to impersonate legitimate businesses, charities and causes
  • Expertise to use your own emotions against you

If the Canada Revenue Agency calls and informs you that you owe them money, they will NOT request payment via bitcoin, prepaid credit cards or iTunes cards.

If you receive a letter in the mail, an email or a phone call advising that you've won a free trip, cruise or large sum of money – you probably didn't.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true - it probably is.

The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed on the common tactics that fraudsters will try to use.

Counterfeit Money

If you are a business owner or an employee of a business and you believe that you may have counterfeit money in your possession, please complete the Request for Analysis of Counterfeit Money Form before mailing the completed form and the counterfeit money to:

190 Brady Street

Sudbury, ON

P3E 1C7

Attention: Police Community Response Centre

How to protect yourself

Remember, legitimate telemarketers have nothing to hide. But scammers will say anything to take your money. Always be cautious and remember you have the right to check out any caller by requesting written information, a call back number, references and time to think over the offer or request.

Always be careful about providing confidential personal information, especially banking or credit card details, unless you are certain the company is legitimate. And, if you have doubts about a caller, your best defense is to simply hang up. It's not rude – it's smart.

If you're in doubt, it's wise to ask the advice of a close friend or relative, or even your banker. Rely on people you can trust. Remember, you can stop phone fraud - just hang up!

If you suspect a relative or friend has been targeted, check if the following is occurring:

  • A marked increase in the amount of mail with too-good-to-be-true offers.
  • Frequent calls offering get-rich-quick schemes or valuable awards, or numerous calls for donations to unfamiliar charities.
  • A sudden inability to pay normal bills.
  • Requests for loans or cash.
  • Banking records that show cheques or withdrawals made to unfamiliar companies.
  • Secretive behaviour regarding phone calls.

If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

*This information was taken from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.

 Helpful Tips from the Competition Bureau Canada
  • Always get independent advice if an offer involves money, personal information, time or commitment.
  • There are no guaranteed "get-rich-quick" schemes. Sometimes the only people who make money are the scammers.
  • Don't agree to offers or deals right away.
  • Always check a company or person's credentials before handing over money or personal information.
  • Do not rely solely on glowing reviews or testimonials to evaluate a company's success.
  • Log in directly to a website by typing it in your search bar. Never click links provided in a text or email.
  • Never send money or give credit card information to anyone you do not know and trust.

Common Scams

Bitcoin Scam

We have received numerous complaints from people being targeted in an email scam where cyber criminals demand to be paid in bitcoin. They may claim to have stolen your password; to have hacked your computer and/or webcam; and threaten to release compromising footage of you if you do not immediately pay them in bitcoin.

These emails vary in subject matter but have similar features:

• The subject line includes a password that you may have previously used or currently use

• The attacker claims they have used that password to hack your computer, install malware, and record video of you through your webcam

• The attacker says they will send video of you to your contacts unless you send them bitcoin. Most often this demand varies from $1,200 or $1,600 worth.

Home Renovation Scams

If you're considering home renovation projects such as new windows, siding, shingles, deck etc., do your due diligence before selecting a contractor. Prior to signing a contract and providing a down payment, research the company and/or individual offering the service. This could be easily accomplished by entering a business name or an individual's name into the search engine (i.e. Google) on your computer.

You may also want to check the company's Facebook page (or other social media profiles such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.).

Visit the Northern Ontario Better Business Bureau website for updates on business scams and alerts.

Do not sign a contract or give a deposit without checking your contractor!

1. Know Your Rights.

2. Do Your Research.

3. Verify Applicable Licensing.

4. Ask for Identification and References.

5. Obtain Everything in Writing.

6. If You Feel Uncomfortable, End the Interaction.

Identity Theft

Identity Theft is the fastest-growing type of fraud. Protect your precious personal information. Ask all marketing, research or charity callers for:

  • Detailed, written information that you can check yourself.
  • Time to think about the offer. Scam artists pressure you for an answer, saying the offer will expire or go to the next person if you don't act now.
  • Valid references and the means to contact them.
  • A call back number. But beware that a crook can give you a number where a colleague is standing by to finish taking your money.

Shred unwanted personal documents such as transaction records, credit applications, insurance forms, cheques, financial statements and tax returns.

If you or someone you know has been victim of a fraud or scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Grandparent Scams

Fraudsters often target grandparents and scam them out of large sums of money. In most cases, the grandparent receives a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandchild who goes on to say they are in trouble and need money immediately. Common misfortunes include having been in a car accident, getting locked up in jail, or trouble returning home from a foreign country.

One variation features two people on the phone, one pretending to be a grandchild and the other a police officer or lawyer.

In other cases, the scammer will pretend to be an old neighbour or a family friend in trouble.

In some cases, the scammer knows the names of the victim’s family and friends. They can get that information from a variety of sources, such as a social networking site (i.e. Facebook), or mentions in a local obituary. Social media is a common method for scammers to gain access to one’s personal information, learn about their family members, vacation plans, birthdays, etc. Keep your social media private and never accept a friend/follow request from someone you don’t know.

In other cases, the scammer does not know any names. For instance, the scammer may say “Hi grandma,” hoping that they actually have a grandson. The victim then responds, for example, “Tyler, is that you?” and the scammer will say “Yes!”

Scammers will often call in the middle of the night and take advantage of the fact that the victim may not be awake enough to ask additional follow-up questions and may not want to disturb other people by calling them to confirm the information.

Scammers will also swear the victim to secrecy, saying they are embarrassed and don’t want other family members to find out what’s happened.

 Protect Yourself:
  • Take time to verify the story. Scammers are counting on you wanting to quickly help your loved one in an emergency.
  • Call the child’s parents or friends to find out about their whereabouts.
  • Ask the person on the phone questions that only your loved one would be able to answer and verify their identity before taking steps to help.
  • Never send money to anyone you don’t know and trust.
  • Never give out any personal information to the caller.

If you have an elderly parent or grandparent, especially one who does not have regular access to the Internet or social media - sit down with them and explain to them that these scams exist. They might be completely unaware.

If you receive strange emails, texts or phone calls that appear to be fraudulent, report them to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

If you lost money from a scam (under $5,000), report it to GSPS online.

If the fraud exceeds $5,000, report it to us via our non-emergency line at 705-675-9171.