By: Thomas I. Likness
Eagle News Service

(Eagle News) — Victims of wildfires in western Canada are being targeted by scammers sending out a bogus text message, say the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“RCMP have received concerns about messages that purport to be from the Canada Revenue Agency and reference a ‘Canada Relief Fund’,” police said in a news release Sunday.

Police say the text is bogus.

All government benefits for wildfire victims have to be applied for and the government does not send out unsolicited messages.

“If you have not applied for financial support from a specific agency but then receive unsolicited correspondence, it is likely a scam,” the RCMP advises.

The text message tells people they have been sent an emergency response benefit of $435.00 from the Canada Relief Agency.

It is followed by a link to click on.

Police say don’t click on the link.

“Clicking on links in text messages from unknown sources can potentially expose cell phone users to inadvertently downloading malicious software that can compromise your personal information,” they warn.

Police add if people are unsure about the messages they have received from an agency, to call it and confirm the messages are legitimate.

Residents are also encouraged to use reliable sources of information for what is available to people affected by wildfire evacuations.
(Eagle News Service)