Fraud warning issued by Cochrane RCMP

Cochrane RCMP are warning of a possible fraud scheme where victims are told to buy pre-paid gift cards to avoid having their utilities cut off.

Police said victims have been contacted by individuals claiming to represent agencies like Atco, Enmax and Epcor, saying if a bill isn't paid in a short period of time, they will be cut off. Victims are then directed to buy a set dollar amount on a pre-paid iTunes or gas card.

RCMP are reminding people that agencies will never ask for payment in that form and customers will typically receive payment reminders on monthly statements before an account is sent to collections.

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Customers are also encouraged to use the numbers listed on the statements to contact the utility company.

Police said they also continue to receive complaints of fraudulent calls from people purporting to be with Canada Revenue Agency and are reminding Albertans not to give out personal information over the phone. Instead, you should ask for an agent number from the caller and contact Canada Revenue Agency directly, not through a number provided by the caller.

Anyone with information is asked to call Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.