RCMP are investigating a phone scam operating in the Battlefords area.  (file photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

RCMP investigation

RCMP investigating phone scam in Battlefords area

Jun 25, 2020 | 3:43 PM

The RCMP are advising residents to be careful following reports of a phone scam operating in the Battlefords area.

Battlefords RCMP reported Thursday they received several complaints from the public about an attempted scam.

Police say in the scam, culprits make random calls to residents in which the caller identifies themselves as a representative from either the Canada Revenue Agency(CRA) or Service Canada.

Then they tell the individuals that their Social Insurance Number has been compromised for fraudulent purposes, and that they are currently under investigation by the RCMP.

The caller then further instructs the residents to withdraw all their money from the bank, and that someone will call them back with a safe location so it can be deposited and secured.

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When the culprit calls the person back later, the Battlefords RCMP number of 306-446-1720 shows on the caller ID.

“This is an attempted fraud. Anyone receiving calls indicating this, should hang up immediately and do not speak with or provide any information to the caller,” Battlefords RCMP said in a news release.

Police report there are a number of computer programs and apps that allow fraudsters to appear as though they are calling from legitimate businesses and organizations, even though they are not.

“Ensure you are careful and highly suspicious of any unsolicited calls asking for personal information or money,” RCMP said.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow