Fraud prevention information

Tumbler Ridge RCMP would like to remind the public of several different types of scams and how to protect themselves.

Here are some tips on how to avoid being scammed online:

• If someone is asking you to purchase gift cards or bitcoin, it's probably a scam!
• If someone sends you a cheque and asks you to deposit it right away then asks you to send them back any over-payment amount, it's probably a scam!
• If the person asks you for you to provide your Social Insurance Number online, it's probably a scam!

By reporting a scam, you help prevent others from becoming victims. Keep all evidence, including cheques, receipts, text messages and phone bills. Keep track of the dates and times you communicate with the fraudster and ensure you take notes.

To report a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or call 1-888-495-8501. You may also require the assistance of your local police, credit card company, bank or provincial records office.

Common scam lines

Texting scams: You received a message stating You received a package, We cancelled your credit card, Transaction pending approval, Your subscription is being cancelled or any type of out of the blue text message. When in doubt, call your local police detachment.

Phone scams: Family member needing bail/lawyer money

Email scams: Winning the lottery, Inheritance, password resets, requests for login

Computer scams: Viruses that locks your computer

Please visit: Browse scams (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca) for more detailed information regarding scams.