Released on December 23, 2014
The Consumer Protection Division of the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) is informing the public about a potential scam aimed at child care providers in Saskatchewan.The Ministry of Education has been made aware of two cases of attempted fraud of two Saskatoon child care providers. Both instances have been reported to police.
In each of these cases, the child care providers were advertising an available child care space when they received an email from a parent requesting the space be held for their child. The parent claimed to be out of the country and wanted to act quickly to secure a spot for their child. In each case, the parent sent a cheque to save the spot. The cheque was for more money than was required. When the provider brought the overpayment to the attention of the parent, the parent asked the provider to cash the cheque and wire the overpayment back. The provider would cash the cheque, wire the overpayment, and then be informed that the cheque was counterfeit and have to return the money.
Overpayment scams are common and have been used to victimize a number of service providers including landlords.
If you suspect fraud, contact the nearest police service, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or the Competition Bureau. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has more information about overpayment scams and ways to protect yourself at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/recognizeit-advfeefraudover.html.
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For more information, contact:
Shannon McMillan
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4160
Kelly Johnston
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069