The RCMP is reminding the public that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
While the method of the scams differ, someone claiming to be a representative from a company contacts the complainants by phone, letter or e-mail. The suspects may pretend to be representatives for a business and ask the complainants to provide their personal information including banking details.
Other scams involve suspects trying to purchase an item for sale from popular sites such as eBay or Kijiji. They ask the seller to cash a cheque with a larger amount than the asking price and send the remaining funds to a third party.
The victim realizes they have been scammed when their bank contacts them stating the cheque was a fake and they are responsible for any money spent.
Free prizes, trips and winning jackpot lotteries in exchange for a fee or your personal information are not legitimate.
If you suspect you have been contacted by someone participating in a scam, remember not to reply to their requests. Contact your local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501 or https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
