A spike of reported COVID19 scams in Canada has Alberta RCMP issuing a warning to the public. The most commonly reported scams are fraudulent merchandise sales and phishing emails.

According to the RCMP, the fraudulent merchandise sales frequently involve the sale and/or giveaway of health-related products such as face masks and COVID-19 tests. There are also “free” products being advertised where the victim must pay a fake shipping fee.

The phishing emails impersonate agencies such as the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, Public Health Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, and more.

Typically, individuals are contacted through email or SMS and provided a link that prompts them to fill out personal and banking information. In some cases, the link contains suspected malware.

Other scams that occur involve individuals being advised of fake positive test results, donation campaigns, door-to-door decontamination services, and self-assessment surveys.

The RCMP offers these tips if you think you are being scammed:

  • Never give out personal or financial details if you didn’t initiate the call.
  • If you didn’t initiate the contact, you don’t know who you’re talking to.
  • Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments.
  • Install anti-virus software.
  • Be skeptical of emails even if they look legitimate.
  • Check the “from” address by hovering over the name.
  • Check the Canadian Anti-Fraud website for a list of reported scams.

Anyone who receives texts or emails to go online, report them to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm

If you have been a victim of a fraud, report it to your local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. www.antifraudcentre.ca. You should also contact your bank and credit card company if you believe your personal or financial information has been compromised.