Bell Island RCMP warns of Facebook Messenger scam, scammer presents themselves as local politician David Brazil

March 20, 2021
Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

News release

Bell Island RCMP is warning the public of a scam over Facebook Messenger where the scammer is presenting themselves as local politician David Brazil.

On Thursday a resident of Bell Island, who is friends on Facebook with Brazil, received a message on Facebook Messenger from what appeared to be Brazil. Brazil's name and picture were associated with the message. The scammer presented a number of options to the individual to obtain a government grant. By sending $1000.00, a $50,000.00 grant would be issued. The individual agreed to take part and completed an application through text messages, which included sending in a copy of a driver's licence, name, date of birth, address and banking institution. The resident was given a number of options for payment, including email transfer, PayPal transfer and or the purchase of pre-paid cards. The victim purchased Google Play cards, scratched the back to expose the codes and sent the information back to the scammer, who then withdrew the money.

David Brazil is aware of this scam and has communicated a warning to his followers on Facebook.

RCMP NL asks the public to be careful when sending money to anyone, even if it appears it is someone you may know. If dealing with someone you know over a financial transaction requested in a message of any sort, it is best to follow up with a phone call to the individual prior to sending any funds, as a means of verification. Sharing personal identification information over any messaging platform is not recommended.

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Contact information

Corporal Jolene Garland
Media Relations Officer – RCMP NL
709-772-6170
rcmp.nl.media-medias.tnl.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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