RENFREW COUNTY – Fraud is rearing its ugly head once again in the Renfrew County weekly round-up.

The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated 170 calls for service between Jan. 25 and Jan. 31.

Arnprior and Renfrew officers investigated 10 domestic disputes during the past week.

“One accused is charged for assault, assault with a weapon and possession of a controlled substance and two counts of utter threats,” OPP media relations officer Amanda Carruthers released in a statement yesterday (Feb. 1). “If you or someone you know is living in or involved in an abusive relationship help is available.”

Contact Bernadette McCann House 24/7 for support, advice or the safety of a shelter at 1-800-267-4930. The Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County is also available 24/7 for information and support at 1-800-663-3060. You could also attend the emergency department of any hospital in Renfrew County and ask to speak to a member of the Assault Response Team. Victim Services of Renfrew County is also available to provide emotional and practical assistance to people who have experienced domestic violence. They can be reached at 613-649-2852 or toll free at 1-877-568-5730. In emergencies call 911.

“On Jan. 25, Renfrew OPP responded to a fraud where the victim was advised they were eligible for a carbon tax refund,” Carruthers said. “The victim provided their banking information to the unknown caller but quickly contacted their bank to report the incident.” 

The account was frozen, and no money was lost.

“The fraudsters insist personal information is needed to receive benefit payment such as this and will request personal identification, bank statements and passwords,” Carruthers said. “There are other situations where the fraudsters will request money be sent to a Facebook account in the form of pre-paid credit cards, gifts cards or a photograph of your personal credit card. Individuals should never respond to these fraudulent communications.”

Here are some warning signs:

Urgency: The fraudsters always make the request sound very urgent, which may cause the victim to not verify the story.

Request for money transfer: Money is usually requested to be sent by a money transfer company such as Money Gram, Western Union or even through your own banking institution.

The request of payment using gift cards:The caller will tell the victim to purchase various types of gift cards (iTunes, Google Play, Steam, Walmart) and then request a text with pictures of the card numbers.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

On Jan. 27, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Renfrew OPP responded to a harassment complaint in McNab-Braeside Township.

“Eva Ann McTear, 66 from McNab-Braeside Township, was charged with utter threats, criminal harassment and two counts of fail to comply with undertaking,” Carruthers said. “The accused was held for bail and released on a Form 11 Release Order. The accused will appear in front of the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on Feb. 24.”

On Jan. 31, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Renfrew OPP were conducting traffic control at a road closure in Greater Madawaska Township when a vehicle approached.

“As a result of an investigation, Stacia Prince, 37 of Renfrew, was charged with impaired driving and driving with blood alcohol concentration over 80,” Carruthers said. “The accused was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in front of the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on March 3.”

Renfrew OPP officers conducted seven Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checks over the week. Three of the RIDE checks were initiated on the snowmobile trails in Arnprior and McNab-Braeside Township. Officers are checking riders for impairment, equipment, trail passes and licencing.

On Jan. 25, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a Renfrew OPP officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 17 in Horton Township. The officer initiated a traffic stop and a 41-year-old driver was charged with driving while under suspension which resulted in a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

On Jan. 25, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a member of the OPP Highway Safety Division (HSD) was conducting traffic enforcement in the Town of Renfrew. The officer initiated a traffic stop and as a result a 39-year-old driver was charged for driving while under suspension.

On Jan. 29, at approximately 12 p.m., a Renfrew OPP officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 60 in Admaston-Bromley Township. The officer initiated a traffic stop and the investigation revealed the driver was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle. 

“Patrick Kohoko, 46 of Renfrew, was charged with driving while prohibited, suspended driver and speeding,” Carruthers said. “The vehicle was impounded for 45 days. The accused is scheduled to appear in front of the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on Feb. 24.

On Jan. 26, at approximately 10 a.m., a Renfrew OPP officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 17 in Horton Township. A traffic stop was initiated, and a 53-year-old driver was charged for stunt driving.

On Jan. 28, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a Renfrew OPP officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 17 in McNab-Braeside Township. A traffic stop was initiated, and a 68-year-old driver was charged for stunt driving.

On Jan. 30, at approximately 1 p.m., an HSD officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 17 in Horton Township. A traffic stop was initiated, and a 65-year-old driver was charged with stunt driving.

“All three drivers received a seven-day licence suspension, a seven-day vehicle impoundment and a court appearance,” Carruthers said.

The Renfrew Detachment OPP is seeking the public’s assistance with an investigation after police responded to a traffic hazard on Highway 17 in Whitewater Township.

On Jan. 8, at approximately 1:50 a.m., Renfrew OPP responded to a report of large rocks on the highway and as a result, two vehicles were damaged.

Crime Stoppers Pembroke/Renfrew County believes that someone may have information that could assist police in solving these crimes. If you have information that results in charges being laid, you qualify for an award of up to $2,000. Call Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 613-735-8477 or toll free at 1-800-222-8477. You could help solve a crime. All tips remain anonymous and you will not have to attend court. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display. The telephones are answered 24 hours a day.  Please visit the website www.valleytips.ca.