Gift Cards

The fraudster will tell the victim to go to a local retailer that sells gift cards for a
number of different businesses, direct them to purchase a certain quantity of them, and then
obtain the redemption code on the card(s) from the victim. This allows the fraudster to utilize
the funds on the card without actually having the card. Fraudsters will typically request gift
cards for businesses that have an online store, so that the fraudster can obtain goods that can be
mailed to them for resale or other purposes. This is an especially popular method for
internationally-based fraudsters. If you or someone you know is being directed to use gift cards
as a way to send money, tell them that it is a scam, and direct them to your local RCMP
detachment. Retail store employees can play a key role in preventing gift card fraud by being
alert to customers who are purchasing large quantities of gift cards. Victims may have been told
by the perpetrator not to tell store staff why the cards are being purchased. Some fraud
schemes even convince the victims that they are assisting in an investigation against the business
itself, in order to convince the victim to not share with the retailer why they are buying the
cards. Retailers retain the right to not engage in any transaction where they suspect that
fraudulent activity is taking place.

Interac E-Transfers

The fraudster will provide an email account address for the victim to send an
E-transfer to. Once received, the fraudster will typically either withdraw the funds in cash,
transfer it to another account, or purchase crypto-currency in order to prevent it from being
recovered. This method is commonly used by fraudsters who have access to a Canadian bank
account. Users of E-transfers should be very cautious of any e-transfers where they have not
met the recipient in person. Once the money is sent, it is unlikely that the transfer can be
reversed, and the money will soon be moved elsewhere so that it cannot be recovered.

Sergeant Rob Welsman, Detachment Commander
Hanna RCMP-GRC
Non-Emergency Ph: 403-854-3391