A new twist on the emergency scam is targeting New Brunswickers.
FCNB has received reports of a scam artist calling New Brunswickers pretending to be an employee of an ambulance service. In one case, they reported being from “Ambulance Saint John.” In another case, they pretended they were calling from an ambulance service in Maine.
The scammer claims that a relative has been injured in an accident and money is needed to cover the relative’s medical bills. They say the money needs to be sent immediately so treatment can continue.
How to recognize the Ambulance Emergency Scam:
This scam is a variation of the Emergency Scam (sometimes referred to as the Grandparents Scam). This scam has been around for years and typically involves a grandparent receiving a call from a con-artist claiming to be one of his or her grandchildren.
The caller goes on to say they are in some kind of trouble and need money immediately. Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends money by money transfer.
In this latest scam, the scammer pretending to be from an ambulance service may ask questions to get you to reveal personal information.
What to do if you receive a phone call:
- Take time to verify the story. The scammer is counting on you to respond quickly to the emergency situation.
- Hang up and call the person they claim has been injured, or a close family member of the person, to see if the story is true.
- Never send money to anyone you don’t know.
- Never give out any personal information to the caller.
Where to report the scam:
Report the ambulance emergency scam to your local police or RCMP, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, either online or by its toll free number: 1-888-495-8501.
Learn more about how to report fraud and where to report fraud.
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