There's a new phishing scam involving con artists impersonating police officers.
A random text or email is sent to an unsuspecting person and includes a link which connects to a video conference call with someone claiming to be an officer. If the link is clicked, the fraudster works to convince the person that they could be arrested unless they help officers by forwarding gift cards or Bitcoin.
The fraudster may try to convince the person that they have a warrant for their arrest, but it can be removed by sending gift cards or Bitcoin.
In the past two weeks, the Manitoba RCMP's general phone number has received reports of this scam.
Staff Sergeant Kevin Cavanagh works with the RCMP's Cyber and Financial Crimes Unit.
"Don't click on any links or download any attachments from these messages," said Cavanagh. "Never send your personal information, credit cards, or any other information. You should hang up and try to contact the person from another number."
The RCMP will never send people unsolicited texts or links to click on. If you believe you've been scammed, it's important to act quickly.
"Report it to your local detachment and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre," Cavanagh noted. "Contact your bank so they're aware and can keep an eye on your accounts. When you are providing the report to the police, include a chronological list of the events. If you have any phone numbers or transaction information, that would be important for the investigators to follow up on."
The RCMP will never ask you to transfer money or make a payment. They also won't ask you for remote access to your computer.
