Battlefords RCMP warn public of scam caller posing as police

BATTLEFORDS – Battlefords RCMP are warning the public about a phone scam where the individual impersonates the RCMP.

Recently, Battlefords RCMP received a report of an individual who answered a phone call from a number that appeared to belong to a Saskatchewan RCMP detachment. The caller told the individual to go to a local gas station and withdraw cash from an ATM. The caller also instructed the individual not to go to any RCMP detachments, stating that doing so would result in the individual’s arrest.

The Battlefords RCMP is warning the public about scam phone calls in which individuals impersonate the RCMP. These scammers can manipulate caller ID to display a legitimate phone number, making the call appear to be from an official RCMP source.

The RCMP will never request money and/or threaten an arrest for making a report to police. Verify your RCMP detachment’s phone number by using the phone numbers listed on the Saskatchewan RCMP public website.

If you receive a suspicious phone call or text message:

• Hang up immediately
• Do not share personal information
• Do not always trust caller ID
• Do not send or withdraw money
• Do no engage with automated prompts (pressing buttons as instructed)

The Saskatchewan RCMP encourages the public to report similar scam calls or texts to your local detachment at 310-RCMP and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

To make a report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, find tips and for more information visit: https://reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca/