Coquitlam RCMP is reminding the public to be vigilant of current scams

Coquitlam, Public Alert

2022-08-15 08:01 PDT

File # 2022-20542

Coquitlam RCMP has responded to a variety of fraud reports ranging from Bitcoin deposits, unauthorized transactions, and scammers posing as legit business representatives.

On August 8, 2022, Coquitlam RCMP received a report that an individual had been scammed out of ten-thousand dollars. The female reported that she had spoken to a male, who identified himself as a lawyer. He stated that her granddaughter was involved in a car accident, and that EHS and police were on scene. However, while police were searching the vehicle, they found drugs in the trunk and arrested her granddaughter. The male stated he required $10,000 to get her granddaughter released from police custody.

Fraudsters are always coming up with different tactics to scare people out of their money, says Constable Deanna Law, Media Relations Officer for the Coquitlam RCMP. These scammers make the call seem urgent and authentic. They prey on the vulnerable in hopes fear will overcome their emotions and another will fall victim to their demands.

Here are a few tips that may help protect you:

Do a reverse image search. This is a quick and easy way to see if their photo has been copied from the internet,
If someone you met online is asking you for money, it’s a red flag. Do not send them money,
Don’t be intimidated by high-pressure communications from someone online. If you don’t feel comfortable, say no and hang up,
Never provide any personal information over the phone; your name, address, birthdate, Social Insurance Number, credit card or banking information. Keep in mind that you may not truly know who you are talking to,
Always verify who is calling, you can do this by calling the person back on the phone number you have for them,
Do not send money or provide credit card information to someone calling and asking for bail money,
Call a trusted friend or family member for their opinion on the phone call before doing anything,
Remember that the police, a bank, a Law office, or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will never call you and ask for personal information or demand a payment of any kind.

If you are a victim of fraud in which you have incurred a financial loss and/or given out your personal information call your local police to report the incident. Record details of your interaction with the fraudster including phone numbers, email addresses and communication with the scammer. Photographs or screenshots of the online conversation are helpful. If you have not been a victim of a fraud but have information related to scams, please report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 888-495-8501.

Useful links to fraud protection:
https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/phishing-hameconnage-eng.htm
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/security/protect-yourself-against-fraud.html
https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/blogs/phishing-introduction
https://cba.ca/email-fraud-phishing
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/covid19.html

Released by:
Cst. Deanna Law
Media relations Officer
Coquitlam RCMP
604-945-1580

Released by

Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations

Office: (604) 945-1580

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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