WESTLOCK — If you've recently received a call from a number using the Westlock RCMP Detachment's number, be warned: it may be a scam.
On June 26, the Westlock RCMP issued a release warning of a recent hike in phone scams, some of which are using the Westlock detachment's phone number.
"The people making these calls claim to be someone working for the RCMP and will come up with a story that will result in needing a payment," the release states. "Some stories can include fraudulent funds, arrest warrants, bail and so on. They will often ask for payments in the form of Bitcoin deposits or gift cards."
These scams have been reported in other parts of Canada. In May 2024, the RCMP detachment in Craik, Sask., issued a warning of a scam artist spoofing the RCMP detachment's phone number and claiming to be an RCMP officer who required gift cards from his targets.
The Westlock RCMP reminds the public that officers will never ask for payments over the phone, and no official government agency will ever require payment in the form of Bitcoin or gift cards. Also, bail is always paid in person at a courthouse or correctional centre.
If a person claims to be a police officer or judge, you may always call the police service or a courthouse to confirm the situation. Police and courts will never ask for any form of payment.
Often, scammers will try and convince you that you can't hang up on them. Don't let them. Remember that the police and court will always give you a chance to call and confirm things.
Finally, people should never send or give money to anyone they don't know, and never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you don't know. The police and courts will never ask for personal information over the phone.
Should you fall victim to this or any other scam, please contact the Westlock RCMP at (780) 349-4492, as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
