The Financial Markets Authority (AMF) is warning Quebecers against fraudulent sites that offer private loans at attractive interest rates.
The criminals always use the same strategy, explained the AMF in a press release published Wednesday.
From an illegal website, victims apply for a loan. To open their file, the fraudsters then request payment. People who believe they are dealing with a real loan site must transfer the money by Interac transfer to several email addresses, including some personal ones. Ultimately, the money for their loan is never paid back to them.
According to the AMF, the websites they generally use are: paolofolco-courtier.ca, landry-courtier.com, couriercanada.ca, courier-canada.com,tremay-solutions.ca and sirois-finance.ca.
How not to fall into the trap?
Several checks can be made before obtaining a private loan or financial products. Here are some tips, according to the AMF:
– For loans: check with the Consumer Protection Office whether the company or person with whom you are communicating is indeed registered with the Office.
– For financial products: check with the Authority whether this company or person is registered with the Authority, by consulting the Register of Companies and Individuals Authorized to Practice, or by contacting the information center of the Authority Authority.
– If the company or person is registered with the Office or the Authority, contact them using the contact details provided by the Office or the Authority in order to verify their identity.
– Do not disclose your personal information or make any money transfers before completing these checks.
