RCMP warning about phone scam involving fake Mounties

Somebody in Saskatoon is running a scam — and they’re pretending to be Mounties to do it.

In a media release, the real Mounties said the Saskatoon RCMP has got multiple calls over the past month about a phone scam in which someone identifies themselves as a member of the RCMP and then asks for money.

“The Saskatoon RCMP reminds the public to be vigilant when receiving unsolicited text messages or phone calls, even if the caller identifies as being a police officer,” the release said. “Saskatchewan RCMP will never call members of the public to demand money or request any form of payment over the phone.”

The Mounties offered suggestions to people on how to prevent scammers from being successful. Those included:

• Never provide personal or sensitive information to the caller and never send money even if the message sounds urgent.
• If you feel like it’s a scam or an unsolicited call, ask questions like “Who are you? What are you calling for? Why are you requesting this? Where are you calling from?” and write down the responses.
• Report all crimes to local police as soon as possible.

Anyone who has been contacted by a scammer should report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, even if money didn’t change hands or 1-888-495-8501.

Anyone who lost money via fraud should contact their local police as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.