The RCMP are warning the public that of two fraudulent telephone scams that have been circulating in central Saskatchewan, particularly in the Warman and Outlook areas.
According to a news release, the Saskatchewan RCMP received multiple reports in December of a telephone scam wherein the fraudulent caller — reportedly a male — contacts victims and tells them their loved one is in legal trouble, such as a car accident or going to jail.
The fraudulent caller either misrepresents themselves as a lawyer or is able to replicate the voice of the loved one (ie. a son or grandson). They then instruct the victim to send a large sum of cash to help cover legal fees, requesting payment by e-transfer, bitcoin ATM or in person drop-off.
“These calls were not from a lawyer, nor the victim’s loved one; they were a scam,” the release states.
Earlier this month, the Outlook RCMP also received a report of a similar scam where the fraudulent caller — reported to be male — contacted a victim and told them they were “hacked.”
For their own “protection,” the victim was told to withdraw cash from their bank so police could come pick it up and put it in a safe account. The fraudulent caller also provided the victim with a secret code that they used each time they spoke, and told the victim not to tell anyone about this interaction to ensure their safety.
“The caller misrepresented themself; they were not connected with police,” the release states.
The Saskatchewan RCMP is warning people that they should hang up immediately if they receive a similar phone call. Do not provide the caller with any information or follow through with their request.
The following steps can also be taken to prevent being a victim of telephone fraud:
- Be careful; scammers can spoof telephone numbers and make it appear they’re calling from a trusted source.
- Slow things down. Scammers create a sense of urgency when they call. If you are unsure if a phone call is a scam, hang up and reach out to your relative with a number you know and trust.
- Never agree to meet with someone who called you asking for money.
- Never give out personal information like your name, address, SIN or banking information over unsolicited calls or emails.
- If you are unsure if an incoming call is from your banking institution, a lawyer, police or a fraudster, hang up and call the agency back using a familiar phone number to confirm the information you were told is accurate.
- Don’t be afraid to say no! Don’t be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics or requests to send money right away. Walk away or hang up the phone.
- Remember, anyone can become a victim of fraud – you are not alone. Fraudsters can be very convincing, they are relentless in achieving their goal, and they target people’s emotions and kindness.
If you receive a similar telephone call, please contact your local police at 310-RCMP. Report the scam call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or through its website at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.