Saskatchewan RCMP warn of fraudulent ticket email scam

Saskatchewan RCMP are warning residents about an ongoing email scam involving fake provincial violation tickets, with reports coming from communities across the province.

Police said Friday they received multiple complaints from individuals who were sent emails claiming to be from the Saskatchewan Fine Collection Branch. The messages state the recipient has been issued a Provincial Violation Ticket and must pay a fine by a specified due date.

The fraudulent emails include a ticket number, fine amount, payment deadline, instructions for payment, a link to unsubscribe from future emails, contact information and a Provincial Court Services copyright notice.

RCMP say while the contact information listed in the email appears to be accurate for the Saskatchewan Fine Collection Branch, the ticket details and payment link are fraudulent.

Police are urging residents not to click on the link or provide any payment or personal information.

Mounties are reminding the public to protect themselves from email scams by checking the sender’s address for misspellings or unusual formatting, avoiding links from unknown senders and watching for red flags such as urgent language or generic greetings.

Anyone who receives a similar email is asked to report it to their local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Saskatchewan RCMP can be reached by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Reports to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be made at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca.