RCMP warn of fraudulent letters impersonating police, demanding fines within 24 hours
Scam letters claim to be from the RCMP's National Cybercrime Coordination Centre and falsely accuse recipients of criminal offences to extort payment.
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The RCMP is warning the public about fraudulent letters circulating in West Shore that falsely claim to be from the RCMP's National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NC3).
The letters attempt to intimidate recipients into paying fines to avoid criminal charges. Typically, they accuse recipients of criminal offences involving child sexual exploitation material and state that if the fine isn't paid within 24 hours, criminal prosecution will follow along with public release of the person's name.
"The fraudsters behind these letters are relying on fear and urgency to manipulate victims into complying with their demands," said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, Media Relations Officer for West Shore RCMP. "If you receive one of these letters, do not respond, do not send money, and do not provide any personal or financial information."
The RCMP is clear: this is not how Canadian law enforcement runs criminal investigations. The letters are not from the RCMP.
The facts
What do the fraudulent letters claim to be from?
The fraudulent letters falsely claim to be from the RCMP's National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NC3).
What do the scam letters typically accuse recipients of?
The letters typically accuse recipients of criminal offences involving child sexual exploitation material.
How quickly do the letters demand payment?
The fraudulent letters state that the fine must be paid within 24 hours, or criminal prosecution will follow.
Where are these fraudulent letters circulating?
The fraudulent letters are circulating in West Shore.
