An example of a COVID-19 scam message received through email. (Courtesy of the Alberta RCMP)

By Emily Keller

COVID-19 scams

RCMP warning Albertans of rise in COVID-19 related scams

Apr 7, 2020 | 3:59 PM

Alberta RCMP are warning people of a rise in COVID-19 related scams in Canada.

RCMP say that the spike in scams started at the beginning of April and that the most common reports they are receiving are of fraudulent merchandise sales and phishing emails.

The fake merchandise sales usually involve a sale or giveaway of items such as facemasks and COVID-19 tests, and ‘free’ products where the recipient only must pay for the shipping cost.

The emails are impersonating agencies such as the Red Cross, Public Health Canada, the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health and the Canada Revenue Agency.

The RCMP say usually, individuals are being contacted through either email or text messages with a link to fill out personal and banking information.

They say sometimes, the link will contain suspected malware. Other scams popping up involve individuals being given a fake positive test result, donation campaigns, door-to-door decontamination services and self-assessment surveys.

RCMP are saying if you are contacted, to never give out personal or financial details, to not click on any suspicious links or attachments, to be skeptical of emails even if they seem legitimate, and to keep up-to-date on reported scams on the Canadian Anti-Fraud website. They also recommend downloading and installing anti-virus software.

Those who are contacted are also being asked to report them online to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and if they are a victim of fraud, report it to their local police as well.