Steinbach RCMP report that they have seen an increase in instances of mass market or telephone frauds in the area and are warning residents about the scam.
Police say that individuals have been contacting local residents over the telephone. While on the phone, the callers have been advising the resident they have won a prize in a contest.
In order to claim the prize, the caller informs that the resident must forward funds through a third party wire/transfer service, such as Western Union or Moneygram. The resident may be told that this fund is a service fee or required to release goods through Customs.
Please note, the Canada Border Services Agency does not accept or solicit money wiring/transfer services as a payment method for duties or taxes and although the suspects are utilizing the wire/transfer service to facilitate the fraud, the companies themselves are not involved in the offence.
If you receive such a call, please be leery of sending any money. Once the money is sent it may not be possible to stop the transaction. Before paying money, you should ask questions to the caller. Inquire which contest you won, where and when you entered and what information you provided when you entered. If there is any doubt you entered this contest, do not pay.
For further information on this topic please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website or contact your local RCMP detachment.
