If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck, right? Well, Mounties facing an uptick in “spoofing” scam calls, text messages and emails say you should still ask a few more questions to be sure. Reports have been coming in to the Okotoks RCMP about these scams, which are convincing. Caller names, phone numbers and email addresses will appear legitimate, and the person on the other end will identify themselves as such. They’ll say your personal information has been compromised or is otherwise connected to an ongoing investigation. They’ll tell you urgent action is needed to save your money. In a release issued Thursday, RCMP say the bad guys “often attempt to create a sense of urgency.” RCMP say their endgame is to “pressure individuals into providing personal information, banking details, passwords, security codes or payment.” And RCMP say becoming a victim in one of these scams can be avoided just by “taking a moment to verify information independently.” If you receive such a call, text or email, RCMP say: If you believe you’ve been targeted, contact your local police force and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If money has been transferred or your banking information has been compromised, contact your local bank.
