The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador (RCMP NL) is reminding the public to protect themselves and vulnerable members of their communities from fraud and scams. With various online and telephone scams continuing to circulate, as well as fraudulent activity on buy-and-sell sites and credit card misuse, awareness is key to prevention.
Common Scam Tactics to Watch For:
Police will never ask for money – If someone claiming to be law enforcement demands payment, it is a scam.
Courts may require payments, but only in person – Official payments related to court matters are never requested over the phone or online.
Prizes are free – you never have to pay to claim one – Scammers often ask for money upfront to release fake winnings.
Be skeptical of unexpected prizes – If you didn’t enter a contest, you haven’t won a prize.
Book accommodations through trusted sources – Use reputable travel websites or call hotels directly to avoid fraudulent booking sites.
Never send cash in the mail to unknown individuals – This is a common scam tactic used to defraud victims.
Protect Yourself and Others
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re unsure whether a request for money or personal information is legitimate, take the time to verify before responding. Trust your instincts—if a situation feels suspicious, don’t hesitate to say no, walk away, or seek a second opinion.
RCMP NL also encourages discussing financial and digital safety with elderly family members and vulnerable individuals in your community. By spreading awareness, we can reduce the risk of fraud and scams affecting our loved ones.
For more information on fraud prevention and to report suspected scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or additional details added!
RCMP NL Urges Public to Stay Vigilant Against Fraud and Scams
