An ongoing email spoofing scam is happening in southern Alberta, as the Lethbridge Police Service warns scammers are impersonating community members and claim to be selling assets on behalf of aging or deceased relatives.
Victims are asked to send a deposit to hold or purchase items advertised for sale.
These messages are fraudulent. The scammer is using the individual’s name without permission in an attempt to gain the trust of potential victims.
If you receive an email you suspect is fraudulent:
- Do not respond
- Do not click any links
- Do not download attachments
- Report the email as phishing or spam through your email provider
- Delete the email
If you have clicked a suspicious link or disclosed personal information, take immediate steps to secure your accounts by:
- Changing compromised passwords through legitimate websites or applications
- Contacting your financial institution if banking or payment information may have been exposed
To further protect yourself, Lethbridge Police are reminding those affected to:
Look closely at the sender’s email address
- Do not rely solely on the name displayed in your inbox
- Examine the full email address for misspellings, unusual characters or domains that do not match the organization or individual the sender claims to represent
- Remember, even email addresses that appear legitimate can be spoofed
Be cautious of unexpected sales opportunities
- Scammers often create urgency by claiming items must be sold quickly because of an estate settlement, relocation, or financial hardship
- Be wary of unsolicited offers involving vehicles, equipment, collectibles, or other high-value items
Watch for high-pressure tactics
- Fraudsters frequently claim there are multiple interested buyers or insist a deposit is required immediately to secure an item
- Legitimate sellers will allow reasonable time for questions and verification
Never send money without confirming legitimacy
- Avoid sending e-transfers, deposits, or other payments until you have verified the seller’s identity and inspected the item whenever possible
- Be especially cautious when asked to send money before viewing an item in person
Trust your instincts
- If something about an email seems unusual, even if it appears to come from someone you know, stop and verify its authenticity through another trusted method of communication before taking any action
If you’ve lost money or experienced identity theft as a result of an email spoofing scam, contact the Lethbridge Police Service at 403-328-4444 to file a report.
