Potential fraudulent email notice

We have been made aware of a fraudulent email that falsely appears to be affiliated with Ontario Works and the Province of Ontario regarding vendor payments.

These emails are not legitimate.

The suspicious email may include the following characteristics:

• Subject line: “Transaction Number – OW – Deposit Details”
• Sender name/email: Social Assistance DBD notification@s.secure-messaging.com
• Message content referencing: Ontario Citizen Direct Secure Email
• A clickable link that appears official that leads to a webpage that may include the Ministry of Ontario logo

The emails also include messaging in English and French such as: “Follow the secure link below to retrieve your confidential message from Social Assistance DBD.” “Se rendre au lien sécurisé ci-dessous pour récupérer votre message confidentiel de Social Assistance DBD.”

The logo and formatting are being used to make the email appear legitimate.

What You Should Do

• Do not click on any links
• Do not provide personal, financial, or banking information
• Do not reply to the email
• Delete the email immediately 

Peterborough Police Service has tips on preventing and reporting fraud.