West Shore RCMP are warning residents to be on alert following reports of a scam involving someone impersonating a local police officer.
According to West Shore RCMP, at least two residents have recently fallen victim to a phone scam by a fraudster identifying themselves as “Sgt. Thomas Scott from the RCMP.”
On May 2nd, a resident received a call from the scammer claiming that a family member had been arrested and that $2,000 was needed to cover bail. The victim sent the money to a third party but later learned their family member had not been arrested or had any police interaction.
Just weeks later, on May 23rd, another resident was contacted by someone using the same fake identity. This time, the scammer requested $1,500 in gift cards for bail.
After providing the card information, the victim became suspicious and reached out to their family member, who again confirmed they had not been arrested.
“We want the public to be aware of this fraudster who is pretending to be a member of the RCMP and targeting residents of the West Shore,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, Media Relations Officer for West Shore RCMP.
“Under no circumstances would police, whether that be RCMP or a municipal department, ever direct you to transfer money or make any kind of payment.”
Police are reminding the public to remain cautious and to never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers. The RCMP stress that they will never:
- Ask for money transfers or any kind of payment
- Request remote access to your computer
- Ask for personal information via text message or email
To protect yourself, RCMP recommend verifying the source of any suspicious calls, hanging up if something doesn’t seem right, and avoiding clicking links or sharing sensitive details via messages or websites you don’t fully trust.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who has been a victim of fraud, or who may have information about these incidents, is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
