Police warn of traffic violation scam

The Calgary Police Service Economic Crimes Unit is warning Calgarians of an email scam that lures victims through allegations of a traffic offence.

Two citizens reported receiving an email on Monday, March 14, 2016, stating that they had been observed committing a traffic offence by a camera. One email asked the recipient to click on a link, which police believe would have sent a virus to the recipient’s computer. The other email suggested the victim would be reported to police if they did not pay a fine.

Both victims were able to recognize the emails as fraudulent before any money, or personal information, was lost.

The Calgary Police Service does not issue traffic violations via email. All automated summons for traffic violations are mailed to vehicle owners and contain images of the offence.

If you receive an email such as this, do not click on any links, or send money or personal information to the email senders.

The focus of week three of Fraud Prevention Month is Cyber Fraud. Here are some helpful tips to protect yourself from email frauds:

• Carefully check the email address of the sender against other authenticated sources. Look for any discrepancies.
• Never click links in emails that have unverified senders.
• Government or municipal agencies do not typically request money or payment via email. Should you get an email from someone claiming to represent one of these agencies, call them using a number found on their legitimate websites to verify the email.
• Never provide personal information or money, without first authenticating the request.
• Don’t fall for quick pressure tactics such as a short deadline for payment.

If you have been a victim of fraud and lost money, please call the police non-emergency number 403-266-1234. Frauds where money has not been lost can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca.