RCMP, N.W.T. Power Corp. warn of telephone scammers

Telephone fraudsters appear to be out in force this month, as police and local businesses are warning of scammers trying to get money from people in the Yukon and the N.W.T.

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation says suspects are calling people in Hay River and Fort Simpson claiming to be from "N.W.T. Power."They say the customer's bills are overdue and demand immediate payment via a credit card number or their power will be cut off.

These calls are not from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

The company advises people receiving such a call to try and get a name and a phone number where you can call the person back, then report it to local RCMP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

In the Yukon, Carcross RCMP say they were advised of a fraud where the caller claimed to be representing the RCMPand requested a $35 donation for kids' programs.

The RCMP does not solicit funds for children's programs or any other programs by phone, online, or through the mail.

Also in the Yukon, a victim came forward to report they had been scammed out of a large sum of money after they were advised they had won an online lottery. The victim was told they had to pay taxes on the winnings before they could claim their prize. The scammers then demanded more money and threatened to have them charged with funding terror in Paris if they didn't pay.

To report fraudulent calls or for more information about the types of telephone scams to watch out for, visit theCanadian Anti-Fraud Centre's website.