Lloydminster RCMP is warning residents about a rise in fraud calls from people posing as government officials.
Scammers tell victims they face arrest, criminal charges or jail time unless they pay immediately, police said Wednesday.
The callers often use messaging apps such as WhatsApp. They send victims a QR code to scan at a Bitcoin ATM.
Scanning the code sends the money straight into the scammer’s account, making it nearly impossible to recover.
RCMP said no real government department will ever demand payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards or prepaid credit cards. Legitimate agencies will also not threaten immediate arrest over the phone, by text or through a messaging app.
Police listed several warning signs. These include demands for immediate payment, requests to withdraw money for a Bitcoin ATM, and instructions to keep the call secret from family or the bank.
Anyone contacted this way should hang up, avoid scanning any QR code and verify the caller through official channels, RCMP said.
People who believe they have been targeted can call Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400 or report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
RCMP encouraged residents to talk about the scam with older family members, who are often targeted by fraudsters.
Read More: Scammers posing as RCMP attempting to steal cash
