A phone scam using international numbers is sweeping across Saskatchewan. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Suspicious number

Saskatchewan experiencing aggressive phone scam

Apr 27, 2021 | 3:20 PM

Phone scams are nothing new in 2021, but the latest to hit Saskatchewan has been particularly persistent.

SaskTel released a statement Tuesday acknowledging the recent increase in scam calls originating from international locations. It consists of the caller connecting residents to a hotline, keeping them on the line for as long as possible, while they are charged long-distance fees.

Communications manager Greg Jacobs said they are taking active steps to stop these spammers and are working closing with the CRTC and others to implement solutions.

“We are actively monitoring it and blocking as much of this traffic as possible and will continue to do so, until this scam has run its course,” he said. “Don’t call the number back and if you’re getting an unexpected call from an international location, just ignore it.”

This rash of scam calls appears to have particularly made its way into the Battlefords since yesterday. Nic Fransoo, Program Director and Morning Announcer for Q98, said he had one such call himself last night, then had a rash of calls between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

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“It’s just been a gong show,” he said.

(Facebook/Saskatoon Police Service)

battlefordsNOW has received word from several other members in the community who’ve experienced similar bursts of calls from suspicious numbers. Police in Prince Albert issued a warning about the same scam on the weekend and posts on social media from various parts of the province show just how wide spread the calls are.

Fransoo said it’s been a steady inconvenience, but would be much more serious for those who aren’t familiar with phone scams.

“If you had an ageing friend or family member that doesn’t quite grasp the whole phone scam situation yet, this could be a real problem,” he said.

Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Liberia and Armenia are just some of the countries that have popped up. Fransoo said it’s a tell-tale sign that something is up when the area code isn’t recognizable.

“If you get a call from Jamaica and you’re not expecting a call, don’t take it,” he said.

Battlefords RCMP Staff Sgt. Jason Teniuk said if you’re getting an unsolicited call, take immediate steps to hang up. Area codes are the starting point.

“For the most part, people who are calling you with a purpose have numbers you will recognize,” If you don’t recognize them, don’t give them the time of day.”

When having answered a call, Teniuk said if they are going into things that you haven’t inquired about, that should be a sign.

“After you’ve answered a call like that, where it’s not something you want anything to do with, hang up,” he said.

Given the number of times a series of phone scams will pop up, Teniuk said it’s important to be vigilant, adding that it’s worth not being afraid to miss calls.

“Every day there’s a new way to scam people out of their money and I think we have to be cognizant of that,” he said. “Worst case scenario it will go to your messages, or if it’s something important, they’ll call back.”

Scam calls like these can be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on their website. To learn more about phone features that can help prevent some types of scam calls, go to SaskTel support.

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports