The RCMP in Alberta spend a lot of their time trying to track down scammers who prey on unsuspecting people.  Now, they're having to do it for people who are impersonating one of their own,

The Mounties in Alberta have shared a News Release on behalf of their counterparts at the Nova Scotia RCMP warning of an email where a cyber-scammer is impersonating one of their members.  On April 28th, RCMP in the Maritime province was made aware of an email indicating that the person receiving it is being investigated by the Nova Scotia RCMP, which has been received in at least two different provinces.  Interestingly, the email says the person receiving it is being investigated for fraud and requests personal and banking information.  

 The scammer is using the name of an RCMP officer who was previously a public information officer for the RCMP in Nova Scotia.

The email is written in French and contains text similar to official RCMP communications. The scammer, or scammers, provide contact information that includes the name and title of a legitimate RCMP officer, however, the e-mail address and phone number included are fraudulent.

The RCMP is reminding the public to protect themselves against fraud in the following ways:

  • Police do not inform individuals of an investigation by e-mail;
  •  Do not give personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn't expect;
  • If you have a feeling that something is not right, it is best to trust your gut and stop communicating with that person;
  • Government agencies or police forces will never demand gift cards or cryptocurrency for payment;
  • When in doubt contact the police or government agency by obtaining the phone number or e-mail from the official website.

Mounties warn that scammers can be very persistent and convincing and that being defrauded is never the victim's fault. If you have been defrauded, you are not alone.

Anyone who suspects they have been targeted in a phone or computer scam is encouraged to contact their local police, and also the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. 

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