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EverythingGP File Photo
By Abby Zieverink
Grande Prairie RCMP tips

Grande Prairie RCMP share tips to identify phone scams

Nov 27, 2021 | 7:00 AM

The Grande Prairie RCMP are reminding the public to be vigilant before providing any personal information over the phone, as the holiday season approaches.

Sgt. Shawn Graham with the Grande Prairie RCMP says often, scams happen through social media, over the phone, email, and online.

Oftentimes, Graham suggests, these scammers use high-pressure techniques to obtain an individual’s personal information or banking information.

Some of these high-pressure tactics, he says, include creating fear in the victims.

“Sometimes they (scammers) tell their victims their social security number or their banking information has been compromised to try and obtain that information from them, and then use it in a criminal way.”

These scams will often appear to be originating from a local number. However, Graham explains this happens when caller identifications or call displays are manipulated to show trusted phone numbers.

“It tricks people into answering the call and believe they’re talking to a trusted source,” adds Graham.

“They’ve even spoofed RCMP detachment numbers, saying the person is going to be arrested and the next few hours unless they transfer money into accounts or go get gift cards.”

“The fraudsters or scammers use this technique to create this anxiety that people feel this pressure that they have to send money because they don’t want to get arrested,” he says.

However, Graham says when receiving calls like that, it’s important to remember not panic, and hang up.

If residents receive a call saying their personal information has been compromised, Graham suggests a couple of tips:

  • Take note of the information and disconnect the call
  • Do not share information in the call including, confirming your name, SIN number, address
  • Learn how to resist being pushed into providing information
  • Do not use call display as a way to authenticate who is calling
  • Report to Canadian Anti Fraud Centre or local RCMP detachment

“If you have a concern that your personal information has been compromised, the best thing to do is find that government agency’s phone number through a trusted source, so maybe their official website, and then contact the government agency directly to inquire at that point.”

Graham tells EverythingGP the best protection from scammers is to learn how to resist being pushed into sharing private information despite the high-pressure and scare tactics often used by scammers.

by Abby Zieverink