**** RCMP Media Release
Phone scam gives caller option about being arrested
RCMP detachments across the province are being made aware of a recent phone scam, where a person receives a call, and during that call they are instructed to press “1” if they do not want to be arrested.
A woman in her eighties was contacted on January 16, told the caller was from the Department of Justice, and advised that the woman had committed a federal criminal offence and was going to be arrested. She was then instructed to press “1” if she did not want to be arrested. She did not make a selection, hung up the phone, and contacted police.
The RCMP is providing this information to the public to help protect them from becoming victims of fraud. “Legitimate organizations will never ask you for personal financial information over the phone. If you are not sure about it, request a call back number, verify the organization and make an informed decision about whether it is someone you can trust,” says Cpl. Jennifer Clarke. Members of the public are encouraged to contact their nearest detachment to report potential fraud by calling 800-803-RCMP (7267). Fraud can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 888-495-8501, or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
