RCMP Manitoba is cautioning Manitobans that authorities will never request payments through cryptocurrency, despite recent nefarious attempts.

Authorities say they have been alerted of telephone scams impersonating the Canada Border Services Agency and a police officer, taking more than $34,000 from two victims in Southwestern Manitoba in the process.

"No police agency or other government agency will request you send monetary payments to them by way of mail, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or QR codes. This is a scam, and the callers usually use pressure tactics and threaten the victim if they don’t pay forthwith," RCMP says in a statement.

One person received a phone call, claiming to be a police officer, saying they needed money to release a family member in police custody after a crash. After sending the money, the victim called another family member to find out more, only to discover it was a scam.

Another victim got a phone call from someone who said they worked for the Canada Border Services Agency. They told the victim they had intercepted a package addressed to the victim, containing drugs, money and fraudulent documents.

"The victim had recently placed some Amazon orders and was awaiting their delivery, which made it believable and concerning."

RCMP says several calls were made and the victim spoke to people claiming to be a police officer, and someone said they were from the Canada Border Services Agency. They sent the money, but the calls kept coming. They then realized it was a scam.

Both victims reported the incidents to the police.

RCMP say:

  • No information should ever be given to a person over the phone until you are satisfied they are who they say they are. Look up the phone number to the police agency/government agency they say they are calling from and confirm it by calling there yourself.
  • A real police officer would not ask to have money sent on behalf of your relative/friend.
  • Ask for help from a member of your family or a trustworthy friend if you are unsure about a call or request received requiring payment.
  • Verify identities or whereabouts of the caller.
  • Don’t feel pressured and do not send money before doing your own investigation.
  • Don’t disclose personal financial information.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be reached at 1-888-495-8501.