Owen Sound ferry operator warns travellers of fake website scam

Chi-Cheemaun - file image. (CTV News)

The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) is warning the public about a fraudulent website pretending to represent its ferry services.

The organization says the website, www.ontarioferries.org, is not connected to OSTC or any of its operations, including the Chi-Cheemaun between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island, Pelee Island Ferries, or the Niska service to Moose Factory island.

Officials urge the public not to use the fake site to book reservations or provide any personal or financial information.

OSTC stressed that anyone who made reservations through the fraudulent website hasn’t actually booked with the official ferry operator and advised those customers to call the company’s reservation line directly to confirm or rebook.

“If you have been affected or believe you have been a victim of a scam related to the fake website, please report it immediately,” OSTC stated in a Monday notice.

The official OSTC website and its phone lines remain the only legitimate way to book.

Anyone who provided payment information to the fake website is urged to take immediate steps to protect themselves, including contacting their bank, reporting the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, and notifying the local authorities.

The organization says it is working to have the fake site removed.