The Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) has received notification that someone in the Sudbury area is calling local residents and seeking cash donations for the Banque d’aliments Sudbury Food Bank.
The GSPS are advising citizens that the Sudbury Food Bank has never and is not currently seeking donations through telephone solicitation.
Sudbury Police Chief and President of the local Food Bank, Ian Davidson, cautions area residents to be very careful when asked to donate money over the phone.
“Unfortunately, criminals will use the generosity of Sudburians and the needs of the Food Bank or any other worthy institution to commit fraud,” he said. “Such people have little regard for the plight of others and will fully exploit the situation for personal gain.”
Dan Xilon, executive director of the Food Bank stated, “I am really upset that anyone would take advantage of the needs of others for personal gain. But I guess this is a reality.”
Prevention tips:
- Be cautious about donating money over the phone;
- Do not be intimidated by aggressive telemarketers, no matter who they represent or claim to represent. It is your right to say “no thank you” when in doubt or when you do not wish to speak to the caller;
- Telemarketing fraud is a billion dollar business and people are defrauded in Canadian cities every day;
- When you are concerned about such calls, obtain as many details as possible and contact the local police or phone-busters at 1-888-654-9426 (e-mail at [email protected]).
.jpg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)