Prince Rupert RCMP warn of Telephone Scam circulating in the region

Residents of the area are being warned of a current telephone scam taking place, where callers are seeking to gain personal financial information by posing as representatives of financial institutions.

The callers make contact with those at home by offering a discounted interest rate on credit cards or advising that fraudulent charges have been made.

During conversations with those that they are calling, the fraudsters are requesting confidential financial information and seek access to the subjects home computer.

"The Prince Rupert RCMP wants to warn the community of this suspected phone scam to prevent any further victimization. ... One of the best precautions one can take is to never give out personal information over the phone, Internet, or to people you don’t know or trust. Generally these companies do not contact you, you contact them. -- From a media statement by Constable Matt Ericson of the Prince Rupert RCMP

So far, two complainants have come forward to advise the Prince Rupert detachment of the fraud and should others have been contacted, they are advised to contact the local detachment at 250-627-0700 or by way of Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS

As well, those that have suspicions regarding telephone soliciting can also contact the RCMP Phonebusters program at 1-888-495-8501  or by email at info@phonebusters.com

The RCMP have provided a helpful list for residents to consider when it comes to home security regarding their financial and other personal information.

You can review it and the full media release here, it offers up more background related to the current scam in the Prince Rupert.

For more items related to Emergency Service files in the Northwest see our archive page here.