There are numerous variations on a common scam persistently targeting the elderly and other vulnerable populations such as immigrants and those for whom English is not their first language advise RCMP.
The “Emergency” scam, “Social Insurance Number” scam, “Romance” scam and the “Extortion” scam continue to a serious problem.
“We continue to repeat our warnings, but we don’t mind being a broken record. We need would-be targets to know how to recognize these scams,” says RCMP Sgt. Peter DeVries, “We also need friends, family, neighbours, anyone who interacts with the elderly or those who are new to Canada to tell them about these scams, how to recognize them, and what to do if they are contacted by a scammer.”
Anyone can be a target, says DeVries, and some of the fraudsters are extremely convincing.
“Provoking fear is a very common tactic they use. If you receive a phone call or email or any contact from someone who presents themselves as an “official”, and that phone call gets your heart pounding and your adrenaline surging, that should be a warning sign,” says DeVries. “Stop, take a few breaths, buy yourself some time to think.”
Don’t be afraid to hang up, he says. Call a family member or friend and ask for help.
Here are some additional guidelines to follow to help prevent being victimized:
Don’t be afraid to say no
Do your research
Never give out personal information such as:
Your name
Your address
Your birthdate
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your credit card or banking information
Remember: if you didn’t initiate the call, you don’t know who you’re talking to.
For more information about scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
If you have been a victim of a scam, please contact your local police or call 9-1-1.
To report a scam where you have not been victimized, whether you were contacted by phone, email or otherwise, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website online, or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
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