Police warning of another iTunes gift card scam

Calgary police are warning of a new twist on an old scam, this oneinvolving the payment of fake debts with iTunes and other gift cards.

Between June 1 and July 21, police said 44 victims were bilked out of more than $140,000 in what's known as Canada Revenue Agency, and Citizen and Immigration Canada scams.

The twist rather than telling victims to pay a fictitious bill using a money transfer, they're told to buy iTunes or other gift cards and provide the activation codes. The scammers then resell those codes on the black market.

• Gift card fraud scheme over utility bills hooks victims in Cochrane

Police said the scammers often use aggressive techniques to get victims to comply, threatening them with arrest warrants or possible deportation if "fines"aren't paid. Victims are also told they are being watched and not to communicate with friends, family or police.

In one case, a victim lost $19,700:$15,700 worth of iTunes gift cards and $4,000 worth of Best Buy gift cards. They were also told it was a special deal and they would be arrested and deported otherwise.

Those who sell gift cards are also being asked to keep an eye out for possible victims.

Signs of that include customers being upset or agitated, being on the phone and purchasing unusually large amounts.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Victims can also contact Calgary police through their website.

• MORE CALGARY NEWS|Lightning strike injures 4 workers on metal roof
• MORE CALGARY NEWS|Woman who kept 89 cats in West Hillhurst home charged under Animal Protection Act