Prince George RCMP warns residents after increase in fraud reports

Prince George RCMP is warning the public after receiving numerous reports of fraud over the past few weeks.

According to police, fraudsters often impersonate employees of the Canada Revenue Agency. They will call or email the victim, claiming a payment needs to be made or a warrant will be sent out for their arrest.

"The instructions are usually to wire the money using a money-wiring company or to purchase cash cards and forward the card numbers & security numbers," wrote Cpl. Craig Douglass. "Wiring money is untraceable & irreversible. Similarly, purchasing cash cards and providing the scammers with the card number & security number would be very difficult to trace."

"In some cases, the persons are told to deposit the money in a specific bank account. If you do not pay right away, the fraudsters keep calling and are very aggressive. The Canada Revenue Agency does not use any of these tactics."

Police will never call someone to tell them they are under arrest. When contacted by fraudsters, the best option is to hang up or not respond. Residents especially worried can call the Canada Revenue Service through their website for additional confirmation.

For more information on fraud scams, click here.