According to the Wood Buffalo RCMP phone scams are becoming more common, and law enforcement is warning the community about these scams in the hope that fewer people will be victimized. Several complaints have been made to the police about scams and with software that can be programmed to display any number it is no surprise that the number for the Wood Buffalo RCMP is a target of the scammers. When the call comes in the number shows the police department number, and the scammer attempts to gain personal identifying details and banking information from the victim. A release by the department is warning residents about these scams so that they are prepared and they do not give out any information that could be used to commit crimes such as fraud or identity theft. According yo the release “Don’t be afraid to say no and hang up.”

The increase in phone scams reported to the Wood Buffalo RCMP is a problem that is growing everywhere as sophisticated technology makes it easier for a scam artist to appear to be a legitimate business or government entity. Social insurance numbers, bank account numbers, and other financial or identity information could be used to open accounts or receive fraudulent services or products. The Wood Buffalo RCMP will never request this information. Residents should always verify all the facts, and never give in to attempts to pressure or intimidate. These are warning signs that you are being scammed. Anyone who receives a suspicious phone call or thinks they have been the victim of a scam attempt should call the police immediately and report it.