Most people have received that fake phone call from the Canada Revenue Agency, a fake prize that you’ve won or have gotten a scam call from a collection agency.
The Wood Buffalo RCMP are warning of a new phone scam that has already attempted to fraud several people that targets citizens claiming to be local police officers.
Using a technique known as “spoofing” the scammers can make the call appear as though it’s coming from the detachment here in Fort McMurray.
Officers claim that the scammers convince the victim that they are local officers and will threaten them with an arrest, or jail if they don’t pay off a bogus “fine”.
During the phone call the scammer will then try to intimidate the victim into sending over money via e-transfer, money gram, or even prepaid gift cards.
RCMP are reminding people that they will never ask for money over the phone, and if you ever feel that something is off about the phone call, hang up and call back the station directly.
If you believe you may have fallen victim to a scam, call the Wood Buffalo RCMP at 780-788-4040 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.