Brooks RCMP are warning the public following a family emergency text scam

The message stated that the son’s phone was about to die and requested that the mother contact him using a different phone number.

The conversation continued on the alternate number when the victim was asked to send money by e-transfer.

A few days later, the woman talked to her son and discovered he had never requested money and that she had been the victim of a scam.

Brooks RCMP are reminding the public that fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often manipulate caller ID information or use information gathered from social media to make scams appear legitimate.

Mounties are encouraging the public to take the following precautions:

Always verify requests for money by contacting the person directly using a known and trusted phone number.
Be cautious of urgent requests involving money, especially when accompanied by pressure or secrecy.
Never rely solely on text messages or caller ID information as proof of identity.
Speak with another trusted family member or friend before sending large sums of money.
If something feels suspicious, take time to verify before acting.

The RCMP encourages anyone who believes they may have been the victim of fraud to contact their local police service immediately and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

by Jesse Gill

Brooks RCMP are warning the public following a family emergency text scam

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