The Lloydminster RCMP is alerting community members about a recent spike in fraud cases. Scammers are posing as representatives from the Government of Canada or related agencies, asserting they are acting on behalf of the government.
Authorities report that victims are being contacted by individuals threatening arrest, criminal charges, or imprisonment unless they transfer funds without delay.
In multiple instances, victims were instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it via Bitcoin ATMs.
Scammers Use Fear and Urgency
According to the RCMP, these fraudsters often exploit fear and urgency to coerce victims into acting quickly, without giving them a chance to verify the authenticity of their claims.
The scammers may reach out through platforms like WhatsApp, SMS, or other messaging apps, supplying QR codes for victims to scan at Bitcoin ATMs.
When scanned, these QR codes facilitate a cryptocurrency transaction directed to an account managed by the fraudster.
Police emphasize that recovering cryptocurrency transfers post-transaction can be extremely challenging.
Government Will Not Request Cryptocurrency Payments
Residents are reminded by the RCMP that genuine representatives from the Government of Canada, law enforcement, and recognized government agencies will never request payments in the form of cryptocurrency, via Bitcoin ATMs, gift cards, or prepaid credit cards.
Additionally, they will not threaten immediate arrest or incarceration through phone calls, texts, emails, or messaging apps.
Indicators of a scam may include demands for immediate payment, guidance to withdraw funds from a bank, requests for secrecy, and QR codes sent by unknown sources.
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Residents Advised to Verify Before Making Payments
Anyone who receives an unusual message or phone call is strongly encouraged not to send money or cryptocurrency and to avoid scanning QR codes from unfamiliar individuals.
The RCMP advises terminating any suspicious communication and reaching out to the corresponding agency using an official phone number or website to confirm the legitimacy of the claims.
If financial information has already been shared, individuals should contact their bank immediately.
Those who suspect they have fallen victim to fraud can reach out to the Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400.
Fraud incidents can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
The Lloydminster RCMP encourages community members to talk about these scams with family, particularly seniors and others who may be more vulnerable to such approaches.