New scam targeting international students in Kingston

Kingston Police are warning the public of a new scam after receiving several complaints of fraud primarily targeting international students who speak English as a second language.

Several of these incidents have been reported at St. Lawrence College, however the occurrences are not limited to St. Lawrence College. The fraudsters contact students by phone attempting to hire them to perform various tasks. Tasks include depositing a cheque, which is later found to be fraudulent, into the student’s personal bank accounts and purchasing either by Bitcoin or Google Play cards, for example.

Fraudsters are also sending them to purchase baby items, antiques or other items to donate at different locations. The purchases are made from their personal bank accounts of the students and therefore they experience financial losses.

To date, thousand of dollars have been defrauded and Kingston Police are asking everyone to be vigilant when speaking to unknown callers who make requests of employment and/or service at random.

The Kingston Police Fraud Unit is currently investigating all occurrences and that you can contact Kingston Police before depositing and unsolicited cheques or any such purchases.

Anyone with information, is asked to please contact D/Sgt Stacey at 613-549-4660 ext. 6242 or via email at [email protected]. Tips can also be provided anonymously by calling the Kingston Police general number (613-549-4660 ext. 0) and asking to remain anonymous.