In the wake of recent flooding, communities have come together, and neighbours have been offering each other help.
But that spirit of good will and generosity can be manipulated for malicious ends, and police are warning you to be on your guard for fraudsters and scammers who are looking to make a quick buck at the expense of your generosity or your misfortune.
Eli El-Chantiry, the councillor for Constance Bay, says he's disturbed by reports of fraudsters going door-to-door claiming to be collecting donations for flood relief.
"I want to be clear: (the Constance and Buckham's Bay Community Association) does not do door-to-door collection for funds," El-Chantiry told CFRA's News and Views with Rob Snow Tuesday. "If you want to make a local donation, you'd be better off to make it to the Red Cross."
"If you have a specific donation, take it to the Constance Bay community centre directly or to the Legion."
The Ontario Provincial Police are warning of a variety of scams that may be encountered.
The first is charity fraud. Police say you may be approached, emailed, or called about donating to so-called "flood relief" efforts. Warning signs to watch out for are high-pressure tactics -where you're pressured to donate right away- or someone posing as a charity that sounds legitimate, by using a name similar to a real charity.
In these cases, you're urged to do your research before donating or giving financial information. Get the exact name of the charity, and its phone number and address. Ask questions. You can look up charity status on the Canada Revenue Agency's website. Do not give out credit card info over the phone unless you made the call yourself, or you were called by a trusted source.
Disaster relief fraud comes in the way of scammers posing as contractors. You're reminded, if you're approached by someone claiming to represent or be associated with your insurance company, a building inspector, or any other authority, to get ID. Ask for references if you hire someone to do work on your home, and look up their company with the Better Business Bureau. Do not let someone pressure you into signing a contract.
You may also encounter salespeople who will claim to offer products, such as water filtration systems or water heaters. While there are many businesses that offer these products legitimately, be careful of door-to-door sellers who pressure you into signing a contract. Do not show them utility bills or other personal information. Ask for the person's ID and get the name of the business, and look into it. If you feel unsafe, you can ask the person to leave and, if they don't, you're urged to call your local police.
Local utilities, municipalities, government agencies and regulatory organizations do not send people door-to-door.
If you or someone you know suspects they've been a victim of a fraud or online crime, contact your local police service, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, report it to the OPP online at http://www.opp.ca/index.php?id=132 or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) at https://www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm
Local governments have information available for flood victims seeking relief, or for people who wish to help. You can find some helpful links below.
City of Ottawa: http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/emergency-services/flood-recovery-information
City of Gatineau: http://www.gatineau.ca/portail/default.aspx?p=la_ville/salle_medias/communiques/communique_2015&id=-936820157
City of Clarence-Rockland: http://www.clarence-rockland.com/index.php/en/flood
County of Renfrew: http://www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca/news-events/news/public-service-announcement---county-of-renfrew-flood-inform/