NT RCMP Federal Investigations Financial Crime is warning Northwest Territories residents of new scams popping up.
The advent of the COVID-19 vaccine has opened up new channels for fraudsters to attempt to wrangle money from the hands of citizens. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre advises they have identified several potential frauds linked to the COVID-19 vaccines.
Beware of Coronavirus-themed and COVID-19 vaccination themed emails and text messages. They may trick you into opening malicious attachments or to reveal your sensitive personal and financial details.
They also report an anonymous tip advising a Canadian resident had received a phone call from someone claiming to work for a pharmaceutical company offering a "vaccine system" totaling $2500 CAD with the purchaser to self-administer the vaccine.
"We are concerned the current environment surrounding COVID-19 and the release of the vaccine has created a situation where some of our residents may be more vulnerable to these frauds and scams. Please protect yourself and your loved ones and be very careful of any COVID-19 related messages or calls. Please authenticate the information" states Cst Landon King, Financial Crimes NT RCMP.
Frauds and scams come in all different shapes and sizes. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has many examples and descriptions on their website at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm , you can also reach them at 1-888-495-8501. The CAFC is a partnership between the RCMP, Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau of Canada.
Anyone with information on fraud or any other criminal activity is asked to call Yellowknife RCMP at 669-1111, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or text: "nwtnutips" plus your message to 274637.