March is fraud awareness month and the Kindersley RCMP would like to offer the public some helpful hints to help prevent falling victim to these scams:

• Criminals use call-spoofing to mislead victims. Don’t assume that phone numbers appearing on your call display are accurate.

• If you receive a suspicious or odd message from a trusted friend, contact them through a different means of communication to confirm that it’s actually them.

• If you get an unsolicited email or text asking you to click a link or open an attachment – don’t do it!

• If contacted by a company, don’t use the contact information provided in the message. Look up the legitimate contact information elsewhere and contact them directly.

• Use reputable service providers located in your area.

• Locate and verify the service provider’s contact information –address, phone number, email—before paying for the service.

• Be weary of letters offering you an inheritance. These letters will often claim to come from lawyers or accountants.

• If you receive a letter claiming you’ve won a free prize, know that you are not required to pay up front fees to collect winnings.

If you want more helpful hints or tips access the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on the Government of Canada website.

Between March 4th and March 10th, Kindersley RCMP responded to 22 calls for service*. These calls included, but were not limited to, 2 uttering threats complaints, 2 theft complaints and 1 break and enter investigation.

If you have any information in regards to crimes in the area, please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment by calling 306-463-4642 or your local police service. Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.