RCMP warning public of scammers in area

By Rob Vogt
Local Press Writer
The Claresholm RCMP are asking the public to be aware of fraud in the area.
On Nov. 12, the Claresholm and Nanton RCMP issued a release wishing to inform the public phone and computer frauds are ongoing across the country and Claresholm, Nanton, and surrounding communities are not immune from such criminal activity.
This warning is issued on the heels of a complaint received on Oct. 7, involving a 79-year-old Claresholm resident being victimized and scammed out of more than $13,000 when led to believe he was investing in Cryptocurency.
Personal information including banking information was given out over the phone and a computer resulting in the fraudster accessing the funds.
This complaint remains under investigation.
However, the RCMP shares the following tips on how to spot a scam:
• Calls from unfamiliar area codes or numbers.
• Emails from unknown senders or addresses.
• Online or over the phone requests for immediate payments or money transfers, i.e. e-transfers, gift cards, and so on.
• When personal or financial information is requested including via text, or email.
• Pre-recorded phone messages or voicemails from banks or government agencies.
• Cheques provided or offered from unknown parties.
• Pressure to invest in or handle cryptocurrencies.
These are only some ways to identify potential fraud.
If you are unsure whether or not you are being targeted by a scam, check with family or friends, or visit the Government of Canada’s website (Scams and Fraud) to learn about common scam types and how to protect yourself against them.
If you have been the victim of a fraud, report it to your local law enforcement and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at www.antifraudcenter.ca, or by calling 1-888-495-8501. Please contact your bank and credit card company if you believe your personal or financial information has been compromised.
For more fraud prevention information, follow the RCMP on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.