The Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are issuing a warning to businesses and individuals in the St. George area after receiving reports of a fraudulent email scam.
Between April 23 and May 2nd, 2024, emails were exchanged from a business owner’s account to their client without the account owner’s knowledge. The suspect, impersonating the business owner, contacted the client requesting payment to a new account number. Subsequently, the victim transferred over $100,000 to the fraudulent account.
Fraudsters often contact companies using an email address that closely mimics an existing client’s, with very slight changes such as an additional letter or number. They then request the client to send payment to the fraudulent email account, often via e-transfer or by providing a new account number for payment.
The Brant County OPP is urging everyone to remain vigilant if they receive such emails from companies they regularly do business with. Always follow up with a phone call to confirm any requested changes or payment requests.
Detective Sergeant Lisa Lambert emphasized the importance of vigilance in such matters, stating, “Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and it’s crucial for businesses and individuals to remain cautious, verify any unexpected requests for financial transactions, and report any suspicious activity immediately.”
