OLDS – Watch out for the social security scam, RCMP say.
Several Olds and area residents have received calls from people telling them their social security numbers are being used for crime in other cities and provinces.
Often through a recording, the scammers then ask the victim to press a number to speak with an investigator.
“These phone calls are high pressure in nature and the likely goal is for the suspects to obtain personal and banking information from the victims that are being targeted,” says Staff Sgt. Jim MacDonald, commanding officer of Olds RCMP.
“The best protection from scammers is to learn how to resist being pushed into a decision regardless of how persuasive or aggressive the scammer may be."
MacDonald has a few tips for people who get these phone calls:
• If someone calls you claiming your personal information has been compromised, take note of the information from them and hang up.
• Don’t share any personal information with the caller. For example, don’t confirm your name or provide your social insurance number, address or any banking information.
• If you have legitimate concerns regarding your personal information being compromised, find the government agency’s phone number through a trusted source such as its official website and contact them directly.
• He suggests learning how to recognize and protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud by visiting at Canada’s Anti-Fraud Centre website: www.antifraudcentre.ca.
• You can also the Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 during regular business hours.
If you have any information about fraudulent activities, contact the Olds RCMP at 403-556-3323 or your local police.
If you wish 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.