Strathcona County RCMP warn of social media scam
Posted August 28, 2023 11:40 am.
RCMP in Strathcona County are issuing a warning to the public to be on alert regarding an online scam.
Mounties say in August, they became aware of an online scam that has been targeting people through social media.
In the scam, the suspect befriends the victim on social media asking permission to paint or draw photos of them, according to RCMP.
After the initial offer, the suspect will then offer a varying amount of money or promise the victim employment.
From there, the suspect sends a fraudulent cheque to the victim and then directs them to deposit the cheque into their bank account.
The suspect will then tell the victim to keep some of the money and spend the remainder on gift cards, which will then be given to the suspect.
The Strathcona County Property Crime Unit (PCU) has since learned that banks are following up with the victims advising them that these cheques they are being sent are fraudulent.
The RCMP is urging the public to use high caution when an unknown person is offering any sort of financial promise or transaction.
Anyone with any information regarding this scam or anything similar is asked to contact your local police or the RCMP at 780-467-7741.
