FORT MC MURRRAY–Wood Buffalo RCMP are reminding residents to stay vigilant as fraudsters continue to exploit digital communication to target unsuspecting victims. Over the past month, police have seen an increase in scams involving callers who impersonate government officials, using technology to make it appear as though they’re calling from legitimate agencies.
Victims are often told they owe fines or are wanted by police, then directed to pay through suspicious links or download apps that compromise their personal information.
To help protect the public, RCMP have released a list of safety tips:
- Be cautious of urgent messages, pop-ups, and emails with spelling errors.
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments.
- Use strong, unique passwords and keep your devices updated with antivirus software.
- Never share personal information unless you initiated the contact.
- Legitimate agencies will never ask for payment via gift cards or demand secrecy.
- If someone claims to be a relative in distress, use a family safe word to verify their identity.
- Report suspicious activity to local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
RCMP stress that if something feels off, trust your instincts and end the conversation. Even if no money is lost, reporting scams helps protect others in the community.
For more information or to report fraud, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
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