RCMP warn public of email phishing scam impersonating police

Residents are being urged to stay vigilant after the Moose Jaw RCMP reported a phishing scam involving emails that falsely appear to come from the RCMP.

Police say they recently received a report from an individual who was sent an email claiming that “unacceptable activity” had been detected on their network. The message stated the recipient was being summoned before the RCMP and included a PDF attachment allegedly signed by someone claiming to represent the police service.

While the email displayed the RCMP crest, investigators determined it did not originate from a legitimate RCMP email address and confirmed it was a scam.

Mounties are reminding the public that official law enforcement agencies will not issue summonses or make threats through unsolicited emails with attachments.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police advises residents to take the following precautions to guard against scams:

Do not click on links or download attachments in unsolicited emails or text messages.

Never send personal, credit card or banking information in response to unexpected messages.

Do not enter sensitive information on a website unless you are certain it is legitimate.

Take time to verify the source of suspicious messages. Red flags can include spelling errors, generic greetings, or unusual sender email addresses.

Anyone who receives a suspicious email is encouraged to report it to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Saskatchewan residents can RCMP by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at .

Reports can also be filed with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca .

Police continue to encourage the public to remain cautious and to report suspicious activity to help prevent others from becoming victims.