
Lloydminster, AB/SK – The Lloydminster RCMP has received approximately 80 fraud files since the beginning of the calendar year.
These files can range from scammers trying to obtain personal information and requesting payment via gift cards or credit cards over the phone to people purchasing items online and the items never showing up. These files often range in circumstance and can be complex. The Lloydminster RCMP is providing tips and tricks for people to help prevent such scams and acts of fraud.
- The public should be vigilant regarding calls from unfamiliar area codes or numbers or emails from unknown senders or addresses.
- One needs to be cognizant of requests online or over the phone for immediate payments or money transfers.
- Legitimate businesses typically do not request personal or financial information via text or email.
- Be cautious of any pre-recorded phone messages or voicemails from banks or government agencies and dealing with cheques from unknown parties.
- The Government of Canada and its agencies will not request payments to be made through gift cards.
- Anyone unfamiliar with how cryptocurrencies work should avoid dealing in them.
- In some cases, scammers claim to be the police and threaten arrest if one does not comply with their direction. Be aware that police will never solicit money in any fashion.
If you feel you are a victim of a scam or fraud or have information about a matter, please report any money loss or details to the Lloydminster RCMP Detachment at 780-808-8400, and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-800-495-8501.
The RCMP encourages the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to the police. If anyone sees a crime in progress, dial 911. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3tips.com or using the “P3 Tips” app available through the App Store or Google Play.
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