The RCMP detachments in High Prairie and Valleyview are concerned about a telephone scam making the rounds.
According to Corporal Deanna Fontaine, Media Relations Officer for the Western District of Alberta, tells the Trending 55 Newsroom that Valleyview residents received quite a few calls on Tuesday.
“Yesterday alone, Valleyview RCMP received over 40 reports from area residents who received phone calls from individuals telling victims that their ‘social security numbers’ were being used for drug activity in Toronto,” says Fontaine.
“We have also received reports from the High Prairie area were people are receiving these calls as well.”
The system then asks the victim to press a number to speak to an investigator.
“These calls are high-pressure in nature and we believe the likely goal for these suspects is to obtain personal information; possibly banking information,” explains Fontaine.
Fontaine says if you receive a call, take note of the information the scammers are asking for, and then end the call.
“Don’t share your personal information, don’t say a word!” stresses Fontaine. “Don’t confirm your name, your social insurance number, nothing!”
If you are concerned that your information may have been compromised, Fontaine suggests reaching out to the specific agency responsible to make sure it is safe.
If you need more information, you can visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s websiten by clicking here.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
