By CHIEF RON CHOMYN, Corman Park Police Service
Scams and frauds are increasingly becoming more prevalent and anyone can be a target.
Fraud will not take a break during the upcoming holiday season, and with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated all the time. They often target seniors who may not be as up to date on the latest technology.
If something seems suspicious to you, it probably is. Hang up and call a family member who can help.
Here are a few “rules of thumb” to protect you from fraud and scams:
• Don’t be afraid to say “NO”. If you feel pressured into something, say NO, or simply hang up or block the email/text.
• Never give out any personal, banking, or credit card information over the phone or by email.
• Beware of upfront fees.
• Protect your computer. Never click on a link received in an email unless you are absolutely certain it comes from a reputable source.
• Be careful who you share images with.
• Protect your online accounts by ensuring your passwords are unique and that you change them periodically.
• Recognize “spoofing”. Caller ID, emails and websites can all be made to look legitimate.
Do your research.
• Always verify the source of any phone call, email, text or website that you are unsure of.
• Don’t allow yourself to be rushed into something. If someone is pressuring you through urgency, ask for their name and contact number and tell them you will get back to them.
• Don’t be afraid to ask a friend or relative for advice if you are unsure.
Incidents of Note
On November 3 at 10:48 a.m, Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) conducted a traffic stop on Highway 219 south of Baker Road on a vehicle for speeding past a tow truck with its lights in operation. The driver admitted to recent cannabis use and showed signs of cannabis impairment. An oral fluid demand was made which returned a positive result for THC. The driver was subsequently released from the traffic stop with a citation for speed and a 3-day vehicle impound and licence suspension.
On November 5 at 6:47 p.m., CPPS arrested a female for breach of probation by possessing and consuming drugs during a traffic stop on Cartwright Road. She was subsequently transported to Saskatoon RCMP to be held for court in the morning. A male passenger was also arrested for breaching his no-contact clause with the female driver.
On November 8 at 7:19 p.m., on Highway 219 near Grasswood Road, CPPS conducted a traffic stop where the driver was found to be operating under the influence of cannabis after testing positive on ADSE. He was subsequently issued a 21-day driver’s license (DL) suspension and seven-day vehicle impound as this was his second offence for operating under the influence.
On November 8 at 11:09 p.m., CPPS executed a traffic stop on Highway 219 near Range Road 3055 after receiving an ALPR hit on the vehicle for a suspended driver. The male driver displayed signs of cannabis impairment and an odour of cannabis was present within the vehicle. The driver adamantly denied consuming cannabis, and stated the odour was from a friend smoking it in the vehicle earlier, and should he test positive, it would be because he got high second-hand. He provided a sample of oral fluid resulting in a positive reading for THC and was subsequently issued a 21-day DL suspension and seven-day day vehicle impound as this was his second offence for operating under the influence.
On November 12, at 12:15 a.m., CPPS conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle travelling west on Highway 16 and Township Road 384. The passenger provided a false name and through investigation it was determined he had multiple warrants out of Warman RCMP detachment for breaching release order. He was arrested on the outstanding warrants and charged with breaching his release order, again, and obstruction of a police officer. He was transported to Saskatoon RCMP and held for court in the morning.