Dawson Creek RCMP warns residents as scam reports pile up

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – Police say scams and fraud are on the rise in Dawson Creek.

The city’s RCMP detachment has issued a warning, saying it’s received several recent reports of residents falling victim to scams.

According to police, those reports have shown fraudsters contacting victims while impersonating businesses, government agencies, and employers. 

They’ll usually reach out via text, phone call, or email, making it hard to verify their identity, officers say.

Once they’ve made contact, scammers reportedly have a variety of methods they use to trick victims, such as demanding they pay money to avoid legal consequences or telling them something is wrong with an online subscription they use.

According to police, fraudsters often demand payment using cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, or gift cards, which real businesses or government bodies will never ask for.

Other common signs of a scam include demanding immediate payment, sending links for victims to click on, threatening language, and requests for personal and financial information.

Residents can contact the Dawson Creek RCMP detachment at 250-784-3700 if they receive or fall victim to a scam.