North Bay Police are warning that fraudsters are victimizing your friends using social media.

They started several investigations this month, with two separate North Bay victims losing over $10,000 on grant scams.

Police say victims have their email hacked or accounts mirrored to contact their friends list, who are referred to someone about their eligibility for various ‘grants’ with additional fees tacked on until victims realize their being defrauded.

City police remind the public:
– Using Social Media? Think about what you post and the information you are making available for others to see. Do not provide any personal or financial information. It is also a good idea to review the Privacy Policy of the sites you use to understand what or how they are using your information.
– Be wary of anyone contacting you on line offering “free money” or a “grant”.
– Remember to use a strong password on all your accounts
– Remember to set your privacy and security setting when using Social Networking sites

If in doubt, contact the North Bay Police Service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for advice.

For information on other fraudulent schemes and further information on how to protect yourself check out the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

(tools)

North Bay Police say five tool kit bags containing various hand tools and vehicle maintenance equipment were recovered yesterday in the Wallace Road area.

Police say there’s been no report from the owner so check your equipment and see if you’re missing something.

If you are call police.

(File photo by station staff)

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