Email and mail fraud

The Calgary Police Service is reminding Calgarians to be cautious of requests for money through letters received via email and mail.

The “Nigerian letters” fraud scam has been circulating through mail and email services as well as cellular communications, attempting to convince potential victims into sending money. The request asks for money through wire transfer or payment cards. In return, the victims are promised large forms of financial reward over time.

The suspects typically reside outside of the victim’s country of residence. It is likely that millions of these communications circulate in North America, most of which go unreported.

If you have been the victim of an email or mail scam, have suffered a loss and are aware of the possible suspect, please call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 to report the crime.

If you have received communication that you think may be a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to report your suspicions. A report can be filed online at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or via phone at 1-888-495-8501.

Calgarians are reminded of the following tips when online:

• Never open email attachments or links from unknown sources.
• Be suspicious of emails asking for passwords or personal information.
• Use an anti-virus program, firewall, spam blocker and anti-spyware technology.
• Do not send sensitive photographs, personal, financial or confidential information via email.
• Report unsolicited, harassing or offensive email to the internet service provider or customer service department of the source’s email.