The New Brunswick RCMP is warning the public of a financial fraud phone scheme that is circulating in the province.
Police have received reports of victims receiving phone calls from an individual claiming to be a police officer who had one of the victim's family members in custody. A large sum of money is then demanded to have the family member released from jail.
"Be cautious of any call you receive from a number you do not recognize, especially if you are being asked for a large sum of money," says Cpl. Hans Ouellette, of the New Brunswick RCMP. "This type of scam often targets senior citizens that have limited access to the internet or who don't use social media, and preys on the fear of a loved one being hurt or in trouble."
You can help your family members by sharing the following tips and information:
· If you receive one of these calls, do not provide confidential personal or financial information over the phone or online.
· Hang up the phone immediately if you believe a scammer is calling you.
· If you receive a voice message asking for money or personal information from someone claiming to be a police agency, do not call the phone number provided by the suspected fraudster. Instead, use a phone number from a trusted source to verify the legitimacy of the request.
· Report the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. If you have been a victim of fraud, also contact your local police and your financial institution.
"It's important to keep family members informed about scams so that they don't become a victim," says Cpl. Hans Ouellette. "We also want to advise the public that the Canadian Criminal Justice System does not allow for someone to be bailed out of jail with cash or money."
For further information on the types of frauds and scams that are currently circulating, and on how to best protect yourself, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.