There are two fraud-related schemes circulating through the Sudbury district at the moment: counterfeit $100 bills and a phone scam.
The Alzheimer Society is warning residents to be cautious about people claiming to be soliciting by phone on behalf of the organization. The bogus solicitors say they are raising money for the society?s capital campaign and that they will send a representative around to the donor?s house to pick up the donation.
The organization says they do not solicit by phone, nor do they ever pick up donations at someone?s home. As well, any legitimate person from the organization would be able to present proof of identification from the Alzheimer Society.
However, the society is in the middle of a campaign to raise $2.1 million for renovations at Pioneer Manor to create a new Alzheimer Centre for its clients. They are hosting special events, approaching service clubs and corporations for donations, and contacting individuals by letter. There is always a contact name, telephone number and address for the capital campaign office provided with the request.
If people are unsure about someone who claims to be soliciting funds on behalf of the organization, they can call the society?s executive director Patricia Montpetit at 560-0603.
The other scam involving counterfeit $100 is targeting area merchants and financial institutions. The fraud unit of the Sudbury Regional Police Services says to be on the lookout for people who are paying for small purchases with large bills. The ultraviolet lights being used by many merchants aren?t detecting these bills so police advise people to take a careful look at the bill to so if it?s genuine.
