RCMP WARNING PUBLIC OF CROSS-CANADA PHONE SCAM

(Nov 5th)

The Bay St. George RCMP is warning the public about a telephone scam impersonating police in Stephenville, with reports coming in from individuals across the country.

Police say they have received reports from people who have received calls from fraudsters claiming to work with the RCMP. The calls appear to be coming from (709) 643-2118, which is the main detachment phone number in Stephenville.

The scammers have reportedly told call recipients they are victims of fraud or cybercrime in an attempt to obtain personal, financial and sensitive information.

The RCMP is reminding the public not to provide personal or financial information to anyone requesting it over the phone. Anyone receiving a suspicious call is advised to hang up and contact their local police detachment to report the incident.

In similar previous scams, fraudsters have also asked potential victims to verify financial information through email addresses following the format firstname.lastname@rcmp.gov. The RCMP confirms this is not a legitimate RCMP email address.

Police are reminding the public that the RCMP will never ask individuals to transfer money, provide remote access to their computers or send personal information, including banking details, through text or email.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call or email from someone claiming to be an RCMP officer is advised to hang up immediately and contact their local detachment to verify the request or make a report.