The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has issued a warning after area residents received fraudulent phone calls from individuals claiming to be Sault police representatives.
The callers tell potential victims that a loved one is in custody, a news release states, and ask for money in order to secure their loved one’s release.
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 informing the person on the line a loved one is in custody. Then the fraudsters are asking for money for the loved ones release.
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service will never 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 here.