By Shaun Penner

Phone Scams

Grande Prairie RCMP seeing spike in phone scams targeting locals

May 27, 2020 | 5:25 PM

The Grande Prairie RCMP say they have seen a significant increase in CRA-style phone scams that are targeting local residents over the past couple of months, and they are reminding residents to be vigilant and careful about divulging personal information.

RCMP say the scams involve the suspect claiming to be calling from a government agency like the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada, where they attempt to pressure their victims into paying for phoney penalties and fines. The fraudsters often threaten their victims with arrest if the “money -owed” is not paid.

“No legitimate government agency or business will demand payment in gift cards, prepaid credit cards, or bit coin,” says Sgt Shawn Graham with the Grande Prairie RCMP, in a release. “These methods are used by the criminal element to hide their activities from police.”

RCMP also have some reminders to follow, in the event you find yourself in a situation such as this:

• Never give out personal or financial details if you didn’t initiate the call.
• If you didn’t initiate the contact, you don’t know who you are talking to.
• Ignore communication from unknown contacts.
• Verify the caller – scammers will often create numbers that are very similar to legitimate ones, or even appearing to be the same.
• Legitimate businesses do not mind you calling back to verify.
• Never feel pressured to make a quick decision – take time to verify
• Check the Canadian Anti-Fraud website for a list of reported scams

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If you believe you may have been a victim of fraud, RCMP say to report it to your local police of to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.