WESTLOCK — The Westlock RCMP is advising people to be cautious after receiving a report of an attempted fraud where the victim was told to take out an expensive loan as part of a fake criminal investigation.
According to an RCMP release, a local resident received a telephone call from an individual claiming to be a Crown prosecutor from the province of Ontario.
The fraudster directed the victim to attend their bank and take out a $4,500 loan in $100 bills, informing the bank that it was for “home renovations.”
The victim was advised to take the money to another town. The fraudster then began threatening legal action against the victim if they impeded their “investigation” in an effort to make the victim comply.
At this point, the victim reported the attempted fraud to the Westlock RCMP. An officer actually spoke to the suspect, who continued threatening legal action.
However, the conversation ended with the suspect hanging up after the real police officer offered to send a member to the suspect’s location in Ontario.
The RCMP advises the public to secure their online information and passwords, monitor their accounts, always verify who they are speaking with, avoid giving out personal information and watch out for urgent pleas and high-pressure tactics meant to play on the target’s emotions.
Further tips on protecting yourself against fraud can be found at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Network’s website.
If you suspect you have been defrauded, report the incident to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
