Fake police officer fraud reported in Haut-Saint-François, near East Angus
The Sûreté du Québec has alerted residents of Haut-Saint-François to a fraud in which a suspect impersonates a police officer. Financial losses have already been reported.
Fake police officer active in several municipalities of Haut-Saint-François
The Sûreté du Québec has issued a warning concerning a "fake representative" type fraud active in several municipalities in the Haut-Saint-François region, notably around East Angus, reports estrieplus.com. Several incidents have been reported to police and some victims have suffered financial losses.
The modus operandi: impersonating a police officer
In this scheme, the suspect contacts citizens by presenting himself as a police officer with the Sûreté du Québec. He claims that an investigation is underway or that a fraud targeting the victim has been detected, then attempts to obtain personal or banking information.
In some cases, the fraudster takes the scheme further: he asks the victim to place his or her banking cards in an envelope, which a third party will then collect from the victim's home.
What the Sûreté du Québec reminds residents
The Sûreté du Québec emphasises that no police officer or representative of a financial institution will request banking information by telephone. When faced with such a call, the instructions are clear:
- Never disclose personal or banking information by telephone.
- Hang up immediately if in doubt.
- Contact your financial institution or local police station directly.
Reporting the incident
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or are a victim of this fraud is invited to report it to the relevant authorities:
- Canada Antifraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501
- Sûreté du Québec – MRC du Haut-Saint-François: 819-875-3331
Source: Google News CA — Québec (FR)