The Hinton RCMP would like to remind all local residents to be cautious about falling prey to frauds and scams, specifically involving the purchasing of gift cards.
Recently, the RCMP has investigated a number of frauds involving people being asked to purchase Visa/Master Card gift cards.
Once the cards are purchased, the victim is asked to send pictures of the gift card to the fraudster under the guise of participating in an “investigation” or as a requirement of a “new job” for example.
Once the fraudster has the card information, they empty the card and will typically direct the victim to purchase more cards.
These types of frauds are sophisticated and, in an attempt, to make the scam feel more legitimate to the victim, will utilize the names of organizations like the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) or well known Canadian financial institutions.
Unfortunately, by the time the victim realizes that they have been scammed, the fraudster has closed their temporary social media accounts/phone numbers and have started again with new ones.
It should be seen as suspicious anytime anyone is asked to purchase gift cards as a form of payment/funds exchange.
For more information or to report being a target/victim of fraud please see the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ or contact the Hinton RCMP Detachment at 780-865-2455.
Hinton RCMP
