Battlefords RCMP are warning Saskatchewan residents about a phone scam where callers are posing as police officers and directing victims to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Police say the detachment recently received a report from someone who answered a phone call that appeared to come from a Saskatchewan RCMP phone number.
During the call, the scammer instructed the individual to go to a local gas station and withdraw cash from an ATM. The caller also warned the person not to go to an RCMP detachment, claiming they would be arrested if they did.
RCMP say scammers are able to manipulate caller ID so the number displayed on a phone appears to belong to a legitimate police detachment.
Officers stress that the RCMP will never demand money or threaten arrest for reporting something to police.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call claiming to be from police should hang up immediately.
Police are also reminding residents:
- Hang up right away
- Do not share personal information
- Do not trust caller ID alone
- Do not send or withdraw money
- Do not engage with automated prompts or instructions
Anyone who receives a similar scam call or message is encouraged to report it to their local RCMP detachment by calling 310-RCMP.
Reports can also be made to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
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