RCMP Warn of Fraud from Phone # 914-436-0514

The Cold Lake RCMP Detachment received a complaint regarding a fraudulent call. The complainant reported that someone had called her residence claiming that her computer was interferring with his and that he needed her password. The savvy lady recognized this to be a scam and did not comply with his request; rather she reported the call to the Anti-Fraud Centre.

The lady went one step further and was quite helpful with the police, she wrote down the number that called her, 914-436-0514. After entering the phone number in Google it is revealed that there have been at least 56 complaints on that number, it has been searched nearly four thousand times and has 60 comments on the page, whocallsyou.com.

Here are some of the complaints in relation to this number:

• Received a call from a chap stating he was with Microsoft and detected problems with my computer. I told him we were having problems but it was because our goldfish died and our computer was at the wake and was very sad. I suggested the problems would rectify themselves within about four years and if not I would call him back. He hung up. Not a very caring scammer eh?
• Scammers trying to gain access to your computer. I dicked around with him for almost eight minutes before he finally gave up. Claimed he was calling from Hurst, Texas, sounded more like India from his accent. In the background during the call I could here many voices talking to others on the phone with the same scam. I am tired of receiving calls from these jerks I wish there was a way to turn the tables on them and shut them down.
• Received a call from this number. A man with a thick India accent stated he was from the US Department of Health and Human Services and was calling about a grant. I informed him that I have not taken requested a grant and he informed me I was prequalified. I asked for his information so I could report him and he told me my email, phone#, and physical address. I then informed him my identity has been stolen and he hung up. — Do not even waste your time answering. SCAM!
• Scam – Scam -SCAM: Pretending to be US based,but does not know what the Weather is like where he calls from. test it out. A sophisticated scam to create a Problem, only to have it fixed at US $139.– and perhaps an ongoing dependency on the “System”. Very scary indeed. Avoid at NO COST.
• Same experience , computer problems I said I know for sure I don’t have any He got stressed out and someone else start talking , he said I will read a serial num and I see if it’s matches my computer one İ Said no Thanks and hanged up

RCMP say the best defense on these types of scams is knowledge. They ask the public to share these stories and help spread the word. Also, to talk to relatives or friends whom are targeted in these scams and may be more vulnerable; such as the elderly.

How to report scams and frauds in Alberta:

• If you have not lost money but suspect you have been targeted, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre @ 1-888-495-8501 / www.antifraudcentre.ca
• If you receive a suspicious email or phone call soliciting your financial information, advise the bank/ agency involved
• If you are a victim of fraud, contact your local police, and the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre