The Saskatoon Police has received complaints from the community regarding a scam involving Facebook Messenger.

Complainants have reported receiving messages from people believed to be one of their Facebook friends through the ‘Messenger’ app. The ‘friend’ is actually a fraudster who has copied their legitimate friend’s account to appear as them. The ‘friend’ claims they have just received a government grant and that the victim can receive a government grant as well by clicking on a link to a website provided in the message. The link is to a fake website that asks the victim to apply for a grant by providing their personal information. A fee is charged to apply for the grant.

Police wish to advise the public to not follow the directions provided and to alert their legitimate friend regarding this activity.

If anyone has received similar communication and has become a victim by providing personal information and possibly the ‘fee’, they are encouraged to file an online report with both the Saskatoon Police Service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Agency.