Over the last three months, Wood Buffalo residents lost more than $16,000 to fraudulent phone scams.
Wood Buffalo RCMP received several calls from residents during that time.
Police said not to be afraid to say no to a suspect caller claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Service Canada, or anyone calling to collect monies owed.
Residents should follow up on any information they obtain from the caller.
RCMP added they should also ensure the call is over before discussing anything personal with family or a close friend.
- Don’t share any personal information with a caller, such as your legal name, date of birth, social insurance number, address, etc.
- Don’t provide any form of payment, any personal banking, or credit card details.
- Be careful with emails sent by a caller because any links in an email you receive may be using a technique known as phishing to steal your personal information when you click on the link.
Double-check a caller represents a legitimate website.
RCMP will not arrest residents for overdue fines with the CRA, request payments for any police matter, or take any form of prepaid cards as restitution.
CRA posts its phone numbers on its website.
The agency suggests shredding unwanted records and storing personal documents in a locked and secure place.
The CRA will not request payment for outstanding fees or fines in prepaid credit cards, or Google Play, iTunes, or any other gift cards.
