RCMP warning of credit card scam

December 22, 2020
Kings County, Prince Edward Island

News release

Kings District RCMP wish to advise the public about a recent telephone scam where an elderly man was targeted.

The suspect caller, a man, told the victim that his credit card had been compromised and directed the victim to purchase thousands of dollars in Google Play cards. The suspect then had the victim provide him with the account numbers on the cards under the guise that his credit card would be reimbursed.

Police cannot stress enough that no one should give out any personal information over the phone and that no legitimate business, especially financial institutions, will request any type of payment over the phone through use of gift cards.

These types of criminals are often quite forceful on the phone and will use intimidation to achieve their objective.

If you know or suspect the call is a scam, hang up and report the incident to you local police department.

Police also wish to urge merchants such as grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores to be vigilant of potential elderly victims when they are purchasing large quantities of gift cards.

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Contact information

Cst. Alan McGrath
Kings District RCMP
Montague Detachment
902-838-9300

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