The Nelson RCMP has received several complaints from concerned citizens regarding a mail distribution fraud currently targeting the City of Nelson and surrounding Central Kootenay regional district areas.
Yellow coloured cards titled “FINAL NOTICE” are being received in mailboxes. These cards appear to be personalized to the recipient, indicating that they have unclaimed rewards being held at a distribution centre. A claim number is provided.
The recipient is directed to call the listed phone number in order to claim the reward. There is a warning indicating that failure to call will result in an automatic forfeiture of the reward.Those who attempt to claim the reward are asked to provide information such as credit card numbers along with other personalized information.
Citizens should be diligent in protecting their personal information and reminded to never share it over the phone or internet with unknown people or companies.
It is not common practice for legitimate companies to request personal information from their clients.
If you think you have spotted a scam or have been targeted by a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre www.antifraudcentre.ca or 1-888-495-8501.
GETTING HELP AND REPORTING A SCAM
Local Scams: www.consumerhandbook.ca
Financial and Investment Scams: www.securities-administrators.ca
Banking and Credit Card Scams: Contact you local financial institution
Spam Emails and SMS: www.fightspam.gc.ca
REPORTING FRAUD, THEFT, AND OTHER CRIMES
If you are victim of fraud - you have suffered a loss because of someone's dishonesty or deception - you should consider contacting your local police. You should definitely contact the police if you have had property stolen or have been threatened or assaulted by a scammer. You may also contact one of the following organizations:
Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus: www.ccbbb.ca
Canada Revenue Agency - Charities Directorate: www.cra-arc.gc.ca 1-800-267-2384
Equifax 1- 800-465-7166
TransUnion 1-866-525-0262