Scams
Winnipeggers are not immune to scammers of all types. Below are some scams that you should be aware of and tips for how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
The Package Delivery Scam
If you are contacted by phone, text, or in person regarding a delivery you do not expect, never provide any personal or financial information to anyone in connection with the delivery.
Scammers Exploit High Gas Prices
Fraudsters are posing as government officials offering help from a bogus “Fuel Relief Program”, while other scammers are running ads on social media that offer a chance to win a $500 gas card by taking a survey. There is no "Fuel Relief Program," and there is no “Free Gas Card”, but victims who fill out the survey will wind up seeing unauthorized charges on their credit card or bank account.
What You Need To Know About Scam Texts
A new report from Robokiller says over 87 billion spam texts were reported in 2021. During the month of June alone, 12 billion spam texts were sent. That's nearly 44 spam texts for every person in the Canada and the USA.
Car Thefts On The Rise
Nearly 1 million vehicles were reported stolen in 2021 in Canada and the USA. Make sure you lock your doors and never leave valuables in your vehicle. We suggest that car owners use an immobilizing or tracking device in their vehicle. Reporting a theft quickly also improves the chance of recovery. The same holds true of break ins and vandalism.
Support Hotlines
People struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, financial stress, etc. can call an official number for support and suicide prevention. However, if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the a support hotline, without you ever having contacted that organization, hang up and call the hotline back yourself!
Postcard Claiming You May Be Eligible For Financial Death Benefits
Scammers are sending cards stating that Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides a financial death benefit. They ask you to fill out personal information and return the card. These cards are sent out by marketing firms and not the CPP.
Winnipeg Police or RCMP Arrest Scam
There scammers are calling people, claiming to be an employee of the Winnipeg Police or RCMP office, and advising the recipient of the call that a family member is in custody for a domestic related charge and they require $ 10,000 to get released from jail. The imposter goes on to say if you pay 10% as a bond the family member can be released.
The grandparent Scam
The scammer calls a grandparent claiming to be their grandchild who is overseas and needs money for a variety of reasons. They ask the grandparent to wire money to them or buy gift cards for them.