The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is warning area residents of fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to represent Sault police.
A news release issued today states that local post-secondary international students have been targeted with callers falsely claiming that active arrest warrants could result in deportation.
“One of the recent incidents resulted in a victim paying the fraudster $5,000,” the release says.
Full text of the news release follows:
Recently, on at least two occasions, potential victims have received fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to represent the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and requesting money. The fraudsters are targeting post-secondary students, specifically students from outside of Canada who speak English as a second language.
On both occasions, potential victims received calls and the caller ID displayed the Sault Ste. Marie Police business line, 705-949-6300. When the call was answered, the person on the phone fraudulently claims a warrant is active for the potential victims arrest and if they do not pay the requested amount, they will be deported.
One of the recent incidents resulted in a victim paying the fraudster $5,000.
Please know, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service will not demand money from you.
If someone contacts you requesting money while also asking you not to tell anyone, it is a sign something is not right. If you ever have any concerns about a potential scam or fraudulent activity, please contact police by calling 705-949-6300.
Do not share personal information with anyone you do not know over the phone. Remember, you are not obligated to share your information with others. Do not be shy about asking the person on the phone questions about why they are requesting money or personal information.
If you have second thoughts, end the conversation. It is not rude, it is cautious. Protect yourself and your personal information at all times.
For more tips to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Identity Theft, visit www.saultpolice.ca.