Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP NL encourages the public to protect themselves and vulnerable family or friends in the community against fraud and scams. A number of various online and telephone scams remain in circulation, as well as local scams on buy and sell sites and reports of fraudulent credit card use.
Recently, Deer Lake RCMP investigated the unauthorized use of a credit card where a number of unknown online purchases, equating to more than $11,000.00, were completed. The victim was a vulnerable elderly individual. The investigation determined the identity of the suspect, who now faces a charge of unauthorized use of a credit card. The man is set to appear in court at a later date.
If you or a loved one are the victim of fraud or a scam:
- Gather all information about the fraud, including: documents, receipts, copies of emails and/or text messages
- Contact your financial institutions
- Contact your local police detachment to report the incident
- Contact the Canadian AntiFraud Centre toll free at 1-888-495-8501 or through https://www.services.rcmpgrc.gc.ca/chooser-eng.html?ipeReferer=CAFCFRS
How to protect yourself and loved ones:
- Safely store your financial information and the financial information of vulnerable adults
- Ensure credit cards are not accessible
- Keep online passwords securely stored and regularly update those for online shopping accounts or financial institutions
- Never accept cheques or money transfers from a person or business who you have not verified as legitimate
- When shopping on Marketplace or Kijiji, never pay for merchandise before receiving it
- Never purchase gift cards on behalf of someone you do not know
- Don’t give out personal information on the phone or online, such as: name, address, birthdate, SIN, banking information
Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it is. If you are unsure whether who you are speaking with on the phone, online, or even in person is legitimate, don’t be afraid to say no, leave the conversation, or get a second opinion.
RCMP NL encourages the public to discuss financial and digital safety with elders and vulnerable adults in their family or community. For more information, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm