Kindersley RCMP offer fraud prevention tips

March is fraud awareness month and the Kindersley RCMP would like to offer the public some helpful hints to help prevent falling victim to these scams:

• Criminals use call-spoofing to mislead victims. Don’t assume that phone numbers appearing on your call display are accurate.

• If you receive a suspicious or odd message from a trusted friend, contact them through a different means of communication to confirm that it’s actually them.

• If you get an unsolicited email or text asking you to click a link or open an attachment – don’t do it!

• If contacted by a company, don’t use the contact information provided in the message. Look up the legitimate contact information elsewhere and contact them directly.

• Use reputable service providers located in your area.

• Locate and verify the service provider’s contact information –address, phone number, email—before paying for the service.

• Be weary of letters offering you an inheritance. These letters will often claim to come from lawyers or accountants.

• If you receive a letter claiming you’ve won a free prize, know that you are not required to pay up front fees to collect winnings.

• If you want more helpful hints or tips access the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on the Government of Canada website.

• Between March 4th and March 10th, Kindersley RCMP responded to 22 calls for service*.  These calls included, but were not limited to, 2 uttering threats complaints, 2 theft complaints and 1 break and enter investigation.

If you have any information in regards to crimes in the area, please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment by calling 306-463-4642 or your local police service. Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.