RCMP NL encourages the public to protect themselves and vulnerable family or friends in the community against fraud and scams. A number of various online and telephone scams remain in circulation, as well as local scams on buy and sell sites and reports of fraudulent credit card use.
What to watch out for:
- Police will never ask for money
- Courts may ask for money, but you need to pay in person
- You never have to pay to claim a prize
- Be suspicious of "winning" a prize in a contest you never entered
- Use reputable or first party websites when booking hotels or call the company directly
- Never send cash in the mail to people you don't know
Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it is. If you are unsure whether who you are speaking with on the phone, online, or even in person is legitimate or not, don't be afraid to say no, leave the conversation, or get a second opinion.
RCMP NL encourages the public to discuss financial and digital safety with elders and vulnerable adults in their family or community. For more information, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm