In the past couple of months Grande Prairie RCMP has seen an increase in phone scams that continue to target local residents.

In these scams, suspects contact potential victims by phone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada, pressuring individuals to divulge personal information and requesting money. The suspects use high pressure tactics and in some cases threaten the victim with arrest if the amount owing is not paid. 

RCMP advise that no legitimate government agency or business will demand payment in gift cards, prepaid credit cards, or bit coin. These methods are used by the criminal element to hide their activities from police.

  • Educating yourself and your loved ones can prevent future frauds. Here are some prevention tips:
  • Never give out personal or financial details if you didn’t initiate the call.
  • If you didn’t initiate the contact, you don’t know who you are talking to.
  • Ignore communication from unknown contacts.
  • Verify the caller – scammers will often create numbers that are very similar to legitimate ones, or even appearing to be the same. Legitimate businesses do not mind you calling back to verify.
  • Never feel pressured to make a quick decision – take time to verify
  • Check the Canadian Anti-Fraud website for a list of reported scams

If you have been the victim of a fraud, report it to your local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at: antifraudcenter.ca or by calling: 1-888-495-8501. You should also contact your bank and credit card company if you believe your personal or financial information has been compromised.