City of Fort St. John alerting residents of scam attempts

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John is warning residents that its phone number is being used for scam attempts.

On Monday, several residents reported receiving phone calls to verify their credit card information for online purchases or store gift cards. 

According to the city’s media relations officer, Ryan Harvey, “This is another reminder that we need to be vigilant to protect personal information and confirm who you are speaking with before providing these details.”

The city is clarifying that it does not accept credit card payments over the phone and would never call to verify details. 

“We would never ask you to pay via app store or online store gift cards or cryptocurrencies,” said Harvey.

Harvey also advises residents unsure if a phone call from the city is legitimate to take their name and call them back using the city’s main phone number at 250-787-8150.

The city encourages anyone who has received these calls to report them to the Fort St. John RCMP and to visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website for tips to stay safe from scams.