The RNC’s Economic Crime Unit is launching a new campaign in an effort to raise more awareness and discussion around scams.

You can expect to see stop-sign posters throughout the community encouraging people to stop for a moment to think about if you might be caught in a scam as part of the #StopScams campaign.

RNC’s Media Relations Officer Constable James Cadigan says government agencies will not request any form of payment over the phone, or by e-mail, in order to engage in an investigation or to clear any supposed investigation.

Cadigan says those types of requests are scams.

He explains that it’s simply not how these services carry out their business. If you’re contacted by someone demanding payment, gift cards, bitcoin or other types of funding over the phone or e-mail, it’s a scam.

He says these are the methods used by scammers to take advantage of people throughout the community.

The RNC has launched a sign campaign focused on preventing scams throughout our communities. Please visit our website to learn more about how you can #StopScams. #YourRNC #ScamAlert https://t.co/0wq13Tx1GK

— Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (@RNC_PoliceNL) November 18, 2021

The RNC is getting a number of reports from scam victims according to Cadigan and he encourages people never to click on suspicious links.

If you think you believe you’re being scammed, Constable Cadigan says to stop what you’re doing and report the incident. He says end the call, delete the e-mail, do not respond and do not click a link, then contact to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

The Anti-Fraud Centre gathers data and provides information and support to law enforcement agencies.