Fort Saskatchewan RCMP is warning residents and local businesses about money safe scams targeting retail employees.
In several recent incidents, fraudsters contacted store employees and used various tactics to convince them to hand over funds belonging to the business.
These tactics included:
- Instructing employees to activate approximately $1,400 worth of gift cards.
- Directing employees to send e-transfers from their personal bank accounts, resulting in losses exceeding $500.
- Pressuring staff to access the store safe, remove cash, and deposit the money into nearby Bitcoin machines.
- Contacting store cashiers and attempting to arrange the pickup of cash intended for bank deposits.
Fort Saskatchewan RCMP reminds business owners and employees to take the following precautions:
- Hang up and contact your employer or supervisor directly to verify any request involving money or financial transactions.
- Never use your personal funds for business-related transactions at the direction of an unknown caller.
- Be cautious of caller ID information, as it can be spoofed to appear legitimate.
- Report any suspicious activity or fraud attempts to your local police service immediately.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call or believes they may have been targeted by a scam is encouraged to contact their local police service and report the incident. If you any information, please contact the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP at 780-997-7900. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Cpl. Gina Slaney
Public Information Officer – SAD
Alberta RCMP Media Group
