Telephone fraud prevention

To avoid being a victim, look for the following possible indicators:

a) Calls are usually made from an external area code, from an unknown or anonymous number.

b) It may involve several phone calls.

c) The calls do not come from the phone of the “kidnapped”, “accident” or “detained” victim.

d) Callers do everything they can to keep you on the phone.

e) The callers try to prevent, by all means, from calling or locating the “kidnapped”, “accident” or “detained” victim.

f) The money requested is accepted—mostly—through bank transfers.

Precautionary measures

If you receive such a phone call, you should consider the following:

a) Try to stay calm.

b) Try to slow down the situation.

c) Avoid providing information about yourself or your family during the call.

d) Request to speak directly with the alleged victim. Ask: "How do I know my loved one is okay?"

e) Request that the victim call you back from their cell phone.

f) If you call back, listen carefully to the victim's voice and ask questions that only he or she would know.

g) If you are not allowed to speak to the victim, ask them to describe the victim or describe the vehicle they are driving, if applicable.

h) While staying online with the extortionists, try calling the alleged victim from another phone.

i) Try to send a text message or contact the victim through social media.

j) Try to physically locate the victim.

k) Try to buy time, repeat the caller's request and tell them that you are writing the lawsuit, etc.

l) Do not challenge or argue directly with the caller. Keep your voice low and steady.

j) We insist: Give special training to older adults, who are more vulnerable to this type of crime.