A fraudster pretending to be a police officer over the phone has prompted the RCMP to warn the public.
According to Richmond RCMP, the victim reported receiving a call from a male alleging to be a police officer.
During the conversation, the male even provided a fake name and badge number.
Whether it’s through pressure, for example insinuating the potential victim is in trouble or playing to their sympathy by pretending to be a family member or friend in need of money, the end goal is the same; “the fraudster wants money,” say police.
The fraudsters, added police, can and do change tactics to trick people into giving them money.
“These fraudsters are clever and are good at adapting and changing their approach,” said Cpl. Adriana Peralta.
“Recently, a family member of one of our officers would have fallen prey had it not been for an astute employee at a local business.”
In regards to payment, the fraudsters often ask for payment in the form of gift cards or bitcoin.
The RCMP want to remind the public that no government agency, including the police, call asking for money.
To protect yourself, police advise ignoring the call or hanging up.
For more tips and information regarding current scams and how to protect yourself, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) website. To report a suspected fraud, contact police.
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