The Regina Police Service is warning the public of a new scam that has made its way into the City.
The scenario reported to the police is as follows:
- Victim receives a text on their phone;
- The sender identifies himself as being president of an Escort company and accuses the victim of having used the services of an escort without paying;
- Sender then demands payment, saying that if the victim fails to pay, the life of the victim and the lives of the victim’s family are in danger;
- Over the course of several texts, the sender attaches graphic images depicting victims of violent assaults and homicide, as well as images or videos of armed, masked men.
In the past week, RPS has received reports from victims of the scam.
The Regina Police Service is investigating the reports received so far and is reminding the public to be calm and objective when reading or hearing unsolicited messages.
“Perpetrators always try to create urgency, anxiety and even fear in their victims, no matter what type of scam it is. Assess the information contained in the call or message; do not add your personal information when someone asks for or demands it. Do not make payment,” the RPS said in a media release. “Make a report with your local police service if you have concerns for your safety, if you feel you have been a victim of a scam, or if you have suffered a financial loss as the result of a scam.”
Police say you can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for general information about scams and frauds.
