MHPS warns of phone scammers

The Medicine Hat Police Service is warning Hatters of phone scammers after a handful of people fell victim recently.

The MHPS knows of at least four victims that are out more than $20,000 combined and the service is reminding people to play it safe and smart.

“We are receiving at least 20 calls per week,” Said Sgt. Darlene Garrecht. “People are calling us to tell us they received a call from someone telling them they’re a police officer, their social insurance number has been compromised and that they’re going to be arrested if they don’t send money to someone.

“We want people to know that they should never do this.”

Garrecht says people should never co-operate with this type of phone call.

“Don’t talk to them, don’t follow the prompts and do not give them any personal information,” she said. “The sad part is that, not everyone has hung up and checked with us.

“We’ve got one person who is out $10,000. We have another person out $5,600. One person is out $8,000.”

Garrecht says the scammers sound quite convincing.

“They sound legitimate,” she said. “People need to gauge in on the red flags. The police, Revenue Canada are never going to call you and tell you that you have to pay in cash, mail money or purchase Google Play cards.”

Garrecht added certain scams will also ask for Bitcoin to be transferred their way as payment.

When the call comes in, the area code will often be local to Medicine Hat.

“It’s not coming from out of the country, it’s saying it’s right here – it can make it really difficult for people to realize it’s not right,” she said.

Garrecht added that the latest victims were of the ages 17-60.

“It’s everyone,” she said. “Please call the police nonemergency line if you get a call like this.

“Do not give these calls any co-operation.”