On July 28, 2023, the Ontario Government made an announcement regarding fraudulent activities reported by certain applicants. These fraudulent calls involved individuals posing as representatives of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and using the phone number 416-327-0374. The imposters were contacting applicants and asking for updates on temporary resident documents and other sensitive immigration information. To deceive recipients, the callers may have used Caller ID spoofing to display a different phone number. The Provincial Government issued a statement clarifying that genuine OINP staff never make phone calls to request payment, inquire about immigration status, or update personal information from clients.
How to protect yourself
To safeguard yourself from potential scams, it’s essential to stay vigilant and be aware of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s (OINP) official policies regarding client communication. Remember that the OINP will never initiate contact via phone to collect funds, inquire about your immigration status, or update your personal information. Be cautious about divulging any personal details, such as account numbers, social insurance numbers (SIN), mother’s maiden name, passwords, or other identifying information during unexpected phone calls.
If you have never applied to the OINP and receive such a call, it’s likely a fraudulent attempt. For those who have applied and are uncertain about the legitimacy of a call from the program, take the following steps: First, ask for the name of the agent making the call. Next, verify the call’s authenticity by sending an email to the official OINP address at [email protected].
If you encounter a telephone call from a number claiming to be the OINP and it involves demands for payment or sharing sensitive information, take immediate action: Hang up the call without providing any details, and then promptly contact your local police to report the incident. Additionally, notify the OINP about the fraudulent call to help them take appropriate measures to address the issue and protect others from falling victim to such scams. Stay informed and proactive to safeguard your personal information and immigration process from potential threats.
How to report
If you encounter fraudulent calls, it is crucial to take action to protect yourself and others from potential scams. Report the incident promptly to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre either online or by telephone at 1-888-495-8501. Your report can help authorities investigate and prevent further fraudulent activities.
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