Strathcona RCMP have issued a warning to the public about the increasing number of scams in the area. According to the authorities, these scams have been targeting vulnerable individuals and have resulted in significant financial losses.
In light of this, the RCMP is urging residents to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent activities. They have also provided some helpful tips to help people stay safe and avoid becoming a victim of these scams.
One of the most common scams reported in the area is the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam, where individuals receive a call or email claiming to be from the CRA and demanding immediate payment for outstanding taxes. The RCMP advises that the CRA will never ask for personal information or demand immediate payment over the phone or through email. If you receive such a call or email, it is important to hang up or delete the message and report it to the authorities.
Another scam that has been on the rise is the grandparent scam, where scammers pretend to be a grandchild in distress and ask for money to be wired to them. The RCMP reminds residents to always verify the identity of the person before sending any money and to never wire money to someone they do not know.
In addition, the RCMP warns against the lottery scam, where individuals are told they have won a large sum of money but must pay a fee to claim their prize. They advise that legitimate lotteries do not require any upfront payment and urge people to be cautious when receiving such calls or emails.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, the RCMP recommends that individuals never give out personal information, such as social insurance numbers or banking information, over the phone or through email. They also advise people to research and verify the legitimacy of any requests for money before sending any funds.
The RCMP also encourages residents to report any suspicious activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and to their local police department. By being aware and taking necessary precautions, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.
In conclusion, the Strathcona RCMP is urging the public to be vigilant and cautious when it comes to potential scams. By following these tips and reporting any suspicious activity, residents can help prevent themselves and others from becoming victims of these fraudulent activities.