Possible Phone Scam

(Thunder Bay, January 28, 2005) There have been some reports of suspicious calls being made in the name of Lakehead University to the Thunder Bay community. Lakehead U is currently conducting a phone campaign; however, these reported "scam" callers are asking for personal information (Social Insurance Number, annual income, etc.), which Lakehead's legitimate callers do not require.

Here are some important facts:

LAKEHEAD U'S ANNUAL PHONE-A-THON FACTS

?The students phoning Alumni on behalf of the University use an established script.
?This is an Annual Phone-a-thon Campaign that takes place from October through March.
?Alumni are contacted for the purpose of updating their contact information; callers then share news about what is taking place at Lakehead, and finally ask for a contribution to the University.
?All callers are current students
?A student supervisor is always on duty to monitor the callers and deal with any issues that may arise
?Callers are trained in how to make a phone call and are provided with an approved script that outlines the format of the call
?Callers are required at the beginning of the conversation to identify themselves by name and say they are calling on behalf of the Lakehead University Annual Fund.
?Lakehead does not require personal information such as your Social Insurance Number.

KNOWN FACTS ABOUT POSSIBLE SCAM

?Callers are either male of female.
?They seem to be working from some sort of list as they do have some information which they use to qualify their questions.
?If this is as it appears -- a scam to obtain personal information which can be used to defraud someone or steal identity -- it should be reported to the police. If you get such a call, hang up and dial *57 on your phone to have the number traced. Then contact the police.

For more information on our Annual Campaign, contact Bonnie Moore at 343-8747.

-30-
Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Lakehead University, 807-343-8177