Scam involving death threats, graphic images over text detected in Regina: RPS
An ongoing online scam that threatens people’s safety and lives has now been reported in the Queen City, according to the Regina Police Service (RPS).
The scam, which has been seen in other parts of Canada, appeared in Regina over the past week.
In a release, RPS said reports in Regina have included the victim receiving a text on their phone, with the sender identifying himself as being the president of an escort company and accusing the victim of not paying for services before demanding payment and telling the victim that their life or their families lives are in danger if they do not receive a payment.
RPS said reports have also come in of victims getting text messages that show graphic images depicting victims of violent assaults and homicides, as well as images or videos with armed, masked men.
Police are advising the public to remain calm and objective when reading or listening to unsolicited messages, adding perpetrators always try to create urgency and anxiety 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 [any] payment, an RPS news release said.
People are encouraged to make a report with their local police service if they have concerns for their safety, if they feel they are the victim of a scam, or if they have suffered a financial loss as the result of a scam.
Members of the public may also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for general information about scams and frauds.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Federal government bans watercraft from Manitoba lake popular with tourists
The threat of zebra mussels has prompted the federal government to temporarily ban watercraft from a Manitoba lake popular with tourists.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.