The Saskatoon Police Service says they’ve received a number of messages as well as police reports about a scam where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or a government agent to try and get the victim to give up their Social Insurance Number.

They will tell the victim they haven’t their taxes or that their SIN number has been compromised.

Saskatoon Police remind everyone that legitimate government or police organizations will never threaten an arrest or demand a payment over the phone. As well, in Canada these agencies do not process payment in cryptocurrency, gift cards or any other alternative payment method like GooglePlay card, iTunes card and Steam card.

Tips on what to do if contacted:

– Do not provide any personal information or money to an unknown caller.

– If you suspect a fraudulent call, do not answer. If you do answer, hang up and do NOT call the number back.

– Victims who have lost money or surrendered any personal information are encouraged to file a report online: www.saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/

– Citizens who receive scam phone calls but are NOT defrauded should report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.****