Williams Lake RCMP is warning the public about a new social media scam.
They said fraudsters make an attempt to obtain your money by claiming it as ransom for the release of your family or friend.
“Police recently investigated a possible “hostage” incident where a member of the public reported they were messaged on Facebook by a friend from their contact list.” Corporal Brent Vivier stated in a release, “This “friend alleges they are being held hostage by a random individual and requires x amount of dollars in gift cards be sent for their release.”
Vivier said the fraudster even messaged a fake internet picture of a severed finger to drive home the lie.
“Williams Lake RCMP attended the “hostage victim’s” residence and confirmed they were unharmed and safe, knowing nothing of the reported incident.”
RCMP further investigated and determined the source of the messages were from another continent.
Police shared the following tips for the public to protect themselves from social media fraud:
Asking to be paid in gift cards in a red flag.
Attempt to communicate with your contact through alternative methods: text, cell, phone call.
Assess what your relationship with the person messaging you is and determine if it makes sense they are specifically messaging you.
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