The Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Unit is cautioning residents regarding phone and computer pop-up scams. Recently an increase of occurrences has been noted in the City.

Phone scams commonly occur when the victim is contacted by someone stating they are from a company and the caller attempts to convince the victim to provide personal details and credit card information. If successful, the fraudster will then deplete the bank account and/or credit card.

Computer pop-up scams occur when the victim’s computer gets a pop-up notification claiming their computer has been compromised and to call a phone number. When the victim calls the phone number provided, the fraudster will claim that in order to protect their computer, they need to take out cash and convert it into Bitcoin.

The Economic Crime Unit would like to remind residents:

• Companies, CRA, Police will never contact you and ask for bank account or credit card data
• Computer/Software companies will never contact you by phone or on your computer and request money
• If you receive phone calls, emails or pop-ups requesting that you withdraw large sums of money from your bank - it is a fraud
• If you are told not to tell anyone about what the money is for or to keep it a secret – it is a fraud
• If you are asked to deposit money into a bitcoin machine – it is a fraud
• If you are asked to purchase gift cards or pre-paid credit cards – it is a fraud

Typically the most vulnerable persons in society are also the most susceptible victims to this type of fraud; it is often the poor, desperate, lonely or the elderly that are most at risk. Make sure to check in with friends and family and let them know the ways to stay safe from fraud.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

Find out more on how to protect yourself from fraud here: saskatoonpolice.ca/economic/

If you or someone you know has become the victim of fraud call the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300.