Dear editor:
The RCMP have noticed that over the past four months numerous reports of fraudulent scams have come to the attention of officers in the town of Cochrane.
The RCMP would like to inform the citizens of Cochrane to be vigilant of fraudulent scams, and assist by providing some tips that could help you avoid becoming the victim of such a scam. Some of these tips include the following:
- Avoid providing personal, financial or electronic information to people over phone or email if a business or organization is contacting you to resolve a problem that you have never reported to them;
- Be wary of purchasing merchandise online. Try to use common and reputable websites, this will decrease the likelihood that you will fall victim to a fraudulent scam;
- Be wary of offers or ‘deals’ where you must commit to spending money or providing information instantaneously.
In 2013, over 12,000 victims lost approximately $54 million in Canada. The RCMP is hoping to allow the citizens to become more aware of this issue and increase their vigilance.
If you would like to learn more about common fraudulent scams or would like to report a scam, please contact one of the following organizations:
1-888-495-8501
antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/home.html
403-851-8000
359-1st Street E, Cochrane, AB
Const. Steve De Thomasis,
Cochrane RCMP
