Scam alert: fraudsters impersonating City of Kitchener staff via email
The City of Kitchener is warning small business owners about ongoing scams targeting local vendor markets.
In these scams, fraudsters send emails to prospective vendors, falsely claiming to represent the City's Special Events team and/or the Christkindl Market. The email uses specific details about the event, provides AI generated materials and links to legitimate City webpages, to dupe the recipient into sending money.
Tips to protect yourself
This scam is designed to exploit the trust residents have with City of Kitchener staff. We urge community members to learn to recognize the signs of a scam.
If you receive an unsolicited email from someone claiming to be a City staff member, take the following steps to verify the message’s legitimacy:
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Review the sender’s email address – the City of Kitchener will only email vendors using the @kitchener.ca domain. The City does not use Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, or other web-based email services for communication
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Contact info@kitchener.ca to verify an email if you are unsure that the message is legitimate
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Report suspected phishing attempts that use City information to info@kitchener.ca
City of Kitchener staff have contacted Waterloo Region Police Services (WRPS) to alert them to this scam.
If you are the victim of a scam, contact the police non-emergency line at 519-570-9777 or use WRPS’ online reporting form.
To learn more about protecting yourself from scams, visit WRPS’ website.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.