02/26/2026
Manitoba RCMP are warning the public about an elaborate online phishing scam involving con artists impersonating police officers.
Here’s how the scam works:
• A random text or email is sent to an unsuspecting individual.
• The text or email includes a link that connects to a video conference call with someone claiming to be a police officer.
• If the link is clicked, the fraudster then works to convince the individual they could be arrested unless they help officers by forwarding gift cards or bitcoin. At times, the fraudster may also try to convince the individual they have a warrant for their arrest but can have it removed by sending gift cards or bitcoin.
• In the past two weeks, dozes of individuals have been given the Manitoba RCMP’s general line phone number by fraudsters to convince them they are legitimate.
This is a scam.
RCMP will never send people unsolicited texts or links to click on. If you receive such a message, do not click on the link and delete the text immediately. If you did click on the link and/or provided personal details via the fraudulent online meeting, contact your financial institution immediately, report the incident to your local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
There are a number of ways to guard against online approaches from scam artists:
• Don’t click on links or download attachments in unsolicited text messages or emails;
• Never send your personal, credit card or banking details in response to unsolicited messages and do not enter those details on any website if you are not certain the site is genuine; and
• Always take a moment to verify the source of messages received.
As a reminder, the RCMP will never ask you to:
• Transfer money or make a payment, whether it be cash, credit card, gift cards or bitcoin;
• Provide remote access to your computer; or
• Provide personal information, including your name, date of birth, phone number, email, address or banking details via text message.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of fraud or cybercrime should report it to their local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, at 1-888-495-8501 or online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca.
