(Ed note: Sample of letter at the end of the story)
The Nova Scotia RCMP is warning the public of a cyber-scam where a scammer is impersonating an RCMP officer from Nova Scotia.
On April 28, 2022, the RCMP in Nova Scotia were made aware of a cyber-scam targeting people in at least two different provinces. Officers learned that the scammer(s) is sending an e-mail indicating that the person is being investigated by the RCMP for fraud and requests personal and banking information. The scammer(s) is using the name of an RCMP officer who was previously a public information officer for the RCMP in Nova Scotia.
Officers have learned that the e-mail circulating is written in French and contains text similar to official RCMP communications. The scammer(s) 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 are reminding the public to protect themselves against frauds 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.
Scammers can be very persistent and convincing. 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 or online at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
Source: Release
