{"id":828048,"date":"2026-07-26T23:01:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-26T23:01:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/828048\/"},"modified":"2026-07-26T23:01:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T23:01:10","slug":"4-scams-targeting-ontario-residents-in-july-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/828048\/","title":{"rendered":"4 scams targeting Ontario residents in July 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scammers continue to target Ontario residents using a variety of schemes designed to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting victims.<\/p>\n

Here are four scams making the rounds in Ontario in July:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Fraudsters advertise fake rental properties on social media and other online platforms, encouraging prospective tenants to sign lease agreements and send deposits before verifying the listing.<\/p>\n

Victims often believe they have secured a rental, only to discover the property is unavailable or was never for rent when they arrive to move in.<\/p>\n

In a recent Peel Regional Police investigation, at least 17 victims lost more than $60,000 after responding to fraudulent rental advertisements.<\/p>\n

Police advise renters to view properties in person whenever possible, independently verify landlords and avoid sending money before confirming a listing is legitimate. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also recommends being cautious of listings that appear significantly below market value or create pressure to make immediate payments.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Scammers advertise tickets to sold-out concerts, sporting events and other high-demand shows through social media, online marketplaces and third-party sellers.<\/p>\n

Victims are instructed to send payment, often by e-transfer, with the promise that tickets will be delivered closer to the event. Instead, the tickets never arrive.<\/p>\n

A recent Halton Regional Police investigation into a fake Taylor Swift ticket scheme involved more than $260,000 in reported losses.<\/p>\n

Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre recommend purchasing tickets only through authorized sellers or reputable resale platforms and being cautious of sellers requesting irreversible forms of payment.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Identity fraud occurs when criminals use stolen personal information to apply for financial products, open accounts or obtain credit in another person\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

The stolen information may be used to fraudulently order credit cards, make purchases or accumulate debt before the victim becomes aware of the activity.<\/p>\n

A recent Ontario Provincial Police investigation resulted in charges after an individual allegedly attempted to collect a fraudulently obtained credit card.<\/p>\n

Residents are urged to protect personal information, regularly review financial statements and monitor their credit reports for unauthorized activity. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also recommends reporting suspicious transactions immediately to financial institutions.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Scammers contact private sellers through online marketplaces to purchase expensive items before paying with counterfeit cash during in-person meetings.<\/p>\n

The fake bills often appear legitimate, allowing the suspect to leave with the merchandise before the seller realizes the money is worthless.<\/p>\n

A recent Peel Regional Police investigation involved counterfeit cash allegedly used to purchase gold and silver bars through Facebook Marketplace.<\/p>\n

Police advise completing transactions at designated Safe Exchange Zones whenever possible, carefully checking cash before handing over merchandise and considering secure electronic payment methods for high-value sales.<\/p>\n

Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of fraud is encouraged to contact their local police service and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or through its online reporting system.<\/p>\n

\u2014With files from Ryan Rumbolt, Declan Finucane and Steve Pecar.\u00a0<\/p>\n


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