(NORTH BAY, ON) - The North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging residents to remain vigilant following a recent surge in fraud-related reports. In the past several weeks, officers have responded to multiple incidents involving cryptocurrency scams, online marketplace frauds, romance scams, and gift card schemes, one of which resulted in a local resident losing $250,000.

These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and emotionally manipulative. Victims have been targeted through social media, email, messaging apps, and fraudulent websites. Common tactics include:

• Fake investment platforms promising high returns but restricting withdrawals due to “taxes” or “fees.”
• Romance scams where fraudsters build emotional connections and then request money for emergencies or promises of future wealth
• Online marketplace scams involving deposits for pets, trailers, or services that are never delivered
• Gift card and prepaid card frauds, often involving impersonation of legitimate businesses or individuals
• Phishing links that trick users into revealing banking information, leading to unauthorized transfers

The OPP encourages everyone to follow these safety tips:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those involving cryptocurrency or foreign accounts
• Never send money or gift card codes to someone you haven’t met in person, no matter how convincing their story may be
• Verify online sellers and service providers before sending deposits-use trusted platforms and check reviews
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing banking information unless you are certain of the source
• Talk to someone you trust before making financial decisions based on online interactions
• Report suspected frauds immediately to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre