RCMP NL is warning residents of a type of scam that is currently in circulation where the scammer is representing themselves as a police officer, targeting victims to provide bail money for an arrested loved one or money for a loved one who was in an accident.
Recently, reports have been received from victims on the Burin Peninsula who reported receiving a phone call from an individual who identified themselves as a RCMP officer and provided a fake name. The scammer used the legitimate names of victims' family members and told them that the relative had been arrested and required money for bail.
In one instance, someone was contacted and informed that their child who was residing in Alberta (true) was arrested and needed money for bail. In another instance, an individual was contacted by a scammer pretending to be an officer with the Marystown RCMP and advised their child was in an accident and they needed money.
The RCMP will NEVER ask for money, which includes email money transfers (EMT) or money orders, from the public for the purpose of bail or any other reason. This is a scam. Do not comply with this ask - instead report this type of crime to your local detachment. RCMP NL asks the public to discuss this type of scam with elders or vulnerable people in their family or community.