CALGARY – RCMP CRIME REPORT – An ongoing telephone scam has the RCMP warning Canadians about the effort to steal from businesses.
The RCMP Federal Policing office in Calgary would like to warn the general public about an active telephone scam, which is going on across the country. RCMP have found this scam is being used in, at least, seven Provinces. In this telephone scam, the fraudster poses as an energy service provider employee, telephones a business, and advises the business their service will be disconnected for outstanding bills. They tell the owner immediate payment is required for their account. The fraudster directs the person to obtain a pre-paid credit card, or re-loadable prepaid card, which are available from a variety of retailers. The fraudster directs the business owner to call back to a 1 – 888 or 1- 866 number to make the required payment.
Smaller businesses, such as independently owned restaurants have been the primary focus of this crime.
RCMP are aware of approximately 2000 businesses that have been targeted across the country. If you have been a victim of this scam, please contact your energy service provider to report the incident.
If you have further questions or concerns, about this or other fraudulent activity, please contact the RCMP or your local police service. You can also report any suspicious activity to the National Anti-Fraud Centre at 1888-495-8501
