(ST. JOHN’S, NL) – April 21, 2023 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Economic Crimes Unit (ECU) wish to inform public of increase in telephone fraud scams specifically emergency or grandparent fraud scams.
It has become a regular occurrence for people across our province to receive phone calls, emails or text messages from fraudsters impersonating government officials, well-known companies, and family members.
The RNC has been notified that there has been an increase in these types of fraud schemes within Atlantic Canada and believe this may be occurring within our jurisdiction.
These impersonators attempt to de-fraud people by using manipulation and scare tactics. These particular fraudsters will contact seniors, or family members, claiming a loved one is arrested, has been in an accident or some other scenario requiring immediate assistance. They will use these scenarios to manipulate the call taker into sending money. These scams take advantage of a person’s good nature and desire to cooperate with agencies, who they believe to be legitimate.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Economic Crime section and Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) offer some helpful tips to prevent fraud from happening to you or your loved ones.
– If you receive a call from anyone claiming to be law enforcement, looking to obtain personal information, end the conversation and contact your police agency directly.
– If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be a family member who is arrested, in hospital, or in an emergency requiring immediate money transfers, hang up the phone and contact the person and/or agencies mentioned. Please use assistance through family or friends to verify the complaint and confirm the well being of the individual stated by the fraudsters.
– Use caution posting online. Fraudsters can gather information from your social media accounts that will make their claims of sound legitimate.
– Don’t trust a number just because it is local or familiar. Fraudsters may use technology that will disguise their actual contact.
– If you receive any type of unsolicited mail, phone call, email or text messages that asks for any type of personal information, do not respond and delete or discard it immediately.
– If you are conducting any type of business online or over the phone to make sure you know who you are dealing with.
Anyone with information regarding these type scams or any similar incidents is asked to contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can now provide information anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com.
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