Waterloo Regional Police are warning residents following a possible telephone scam soliciting donations.

On August 30, 2024, at approximately 10:25 a.m., a Waterloo man received a phone call from an unknown male who stated he was working with police and collecting donations for the Backpack Challenge.

The man hung up the phone and contacted police to determine the legitimacy of the phone call.

No financial losses were sustained.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police are requesting that anyone who receives a call similar to the one described above contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777.

Waterloo Regional Police would like to remind the public that police will not make calls to ask for donations or contributions to any charity.

To help prevent being a victim of phone scams, please consider the following tips:

• Take a moment to pause and consider why this organization would be contacting you.
• Don’t feel obligated to engage in conversation – it is okay to hang up.
• Never provide personal information or banking information over the phone.