The Anishinabek Police Service has issued a warning about fraudulent activity targeting members of the community.
According to police, officers with the APS Major Crimes Unit are currently investigating two separate frauds that targeted members of area First Nations communities who are entitled to receive Robinson Huron Treaty distributions.
Police said in July an unknown suspect used the identification of a community member to fraudulently receive a payment which they were not entitled to. Funds were distributed and have not yet been recovered.
In August, police said a scammer used the identification of community member to make a request to receive a Robinson Huron Treaty payment. However, no funds were distributed in this case.
Police are urging communities to take extra precautions to ensure payments are distrusted correctly. Suggestions include:
- Implementing a form of authentication whereby the member who is entitled to receive monies must provide direct confirmation that they have made the application.
- Requiring at least two pieces of identification, including a primary piece of photo ID
- Be wary of an applicant who presents with a recent change in address or a recent change in banking information.
- Flag applications from members who are not in a position to receive the monies (e.g. known to be deceased, someone unable to visit a Band Office due to being hospitalized long-term or being in custody)
A police investigation into the fraudulent activity is ongoing.
