Westlock RCMP warns of spoofing scam where caller poses as RCMP detachment

Westlock RCMP would like to warn the public following a recent hike in phone scams, some of which used the Westlock RCMP Detachment number. The people making these calls claim to be someone working for the RCMP and will come up with a story that will result in needing a payment. Some stories can include fraudulent funds, arrest warrants, bail and so on. They will often ask for payments in the form of Bitcoin deposits or gift cards.

Westlock RCMP wants to remind the public of the following:

• RCMP officers will never ask for payments over the phone;
• No official government agency will require payment by bitcoin or gift cards;
• Bail is always paid in person at a courthouse or correctional centre;
• Never send or give money to anyone you don’t know;
• If a person claims to be a police officer or judge, call that police service or court house directly to confirm the situation – police and courts will never ask for any form of payment;
• Scammers will try and convince you that you can’t hang up. Don’t let them. Remember that the police and the court will always give you a chance to call and confirm things; and
• Never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you don’t know—the police or courts will not ask for personal information over the phone.

Should you have fallen victim to this or any other scam, please contact the Westlock RCMP at 780-349-4492, as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

Cpl Mathew Howell
Alberta RCMP