(TOWN OF ERIN, ON) - On September 10th, 2025, at approximately 3:30 pm, the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a fraud involving a suspicious person claiming to be a contractor.
A couple in Erin had been contacted by the unknown individual claiming to be a contractor, who advised urgent repairs were needed to their chimney and foundation. Trusting the individual, the couple provided an initial payment of $57,000. Shortly afterward, the “contractor” demanded an additional $77,000 for materials.
Concerned by the escalating demands, the couple’s children intervened and quickly recognized the situation as fraudulent. They then contacted police to report the incident.
The Wellington County OPP encourages the public to stay alert and educated to reduce the risk of being a victim of fraud. If you receive an unsolicited email, phone call or message, asking for personal information (name, birthday, address, phone number, bank information, SIN number) or payment via gift cards for a product, do not provide any personal information. End the call immediately and block the phone number or email address.
Warning signs to look out for when receiving unsolicited messages include:
- Emails, text-messages or phone calls sent at odd times of the night
- Creating a false sense of urgency
- Spelling errors
- Lack of punctuation or capitals in sentences
- Automated messages
- Random links or attachments
- Generic business or company name
https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03074.html