Residents warned to wary of “porch pirate” scam

Tim Brody - Editor

Sioux Lookout OPP are advising the public to be wary of a “porch pirate” scam.
Last week, on the Ontario Provincial Police – North West Region Facebook page, police shared, “#SLKTOPP have been made aware of a ‘porch pirate’ scam in which the parcel recipient receives an email advising that their parcel has been intercepted by a “Municipal Investigator” and a fee will need to be paid for it to be released. Please do not fall victim. The Municipality of Sioux Lookout does not have an investigator, and will not intercept your packages. Know who you are dealing with, if it doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t. Report suspected scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.”
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout shared the post, commenting, “Please be aware of this scam making it’s way to Sioux Lookout. Be sure to inform your friends and family as well. This type of thing is happening all over the country, every day. The only way to stop it is report it and make sure they NEVER get your money.”
Police shared the following “Things to know” so residents don’t get scammed:
Know Who You are Dealing With

• Fraudsters claim to be reputable sources; they may use caller ID/ email/ website spoofing to prove who they are. If it doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t.

Beware of Fees

• Never pay an advanced fee to get a refund.
• avoid payments requested via gift cards, crypto currency, or e-transfers to unknown personal emails

Prevent Parcel Theft

• Consider parcel tracking/insurance if you are sending anything of value in the mail