Manning, Alta. – Manning RCMP is warning the public of an ongoing utility and e-transfer scam occurring over the phone or via text and email. Fraudsters are impersonating utility corporations like power, cellular providers, and sometimes credit bureaus, claiming victims' accounts are in arrears or have been compromised and urging them to take immediate action. In recent instances, victims were instructed to transfer funds via email money transfer.
These scams are increasingly sophisticated. In some cases, scammers use doctored phone numbers to make it appear as though they are calling from legitimate institutions. They may also reference personal details like your name, address, or even your Social Insurance Number to gain trust.
Tactics include:
- Automated calls requesting access to your computer to “investigate” fraudulent transactions.
- Asking victims to transfer funds to “safe” accounts as part of an ongoing investigation.
- Convincing victims to share security codes sent via text or email, which allows fraudsters to bypass multi-factor authentication and access bank accounts.
- Sending someone to the victim’s home to collect debit or credit cards under the false pretense of assisting with an investigation.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never share one-time codes received via text or email.
- Hang up and call your bank or service provider using a trusted phone number or even attend your bank in person.
- Do not provide remote access to your device to anyone.
- No financial institution, credit bureau, or police service will ever ask you to transfer funds for safekeeping or collect your bank card.
If you believe you’ve been targeted or have shared information, report it to your local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.