Saskatoon

Saskatoon police warn of fraudulent calls from fake Immigration Canada

Police say callers threaten loss of immigration status if fine isn't paid.

Police say callers threaten loss of immigration status if fine isn’t paid

A cement block with Saskatoon police written on it is in the forefront and the saskatoon police station is in the background
Police are reminding people that Citizenship and Immigration Canada doesn't contact people over the phone, demanding payments of any kind. (Trevor Bothorel/CBC)

Saskatoon Police has received reports of a telephone immigration scam.

Police said victims receive a call where the person on the phone claims to be from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

The caller quotes laws and suggests the victim violated them. The caller then threatens the victim with warrants for arrest, jail time and even loss of immigration status and deportation if a fine is not paid. The victims were directed to send money through a wire service.

Police said they have received a handful of complaints in the last several months, one of which was reported last weekend. They confirmed one victim ended up sending $6,000.

Police added that there was no indication the callers were targeting people with non-Anglo names.

Police are reminding people that Citizenship and Immigration Canada does not contact people over the phone, demanding payments of any kind.

Police said anyone who has been a victim to the scam should contact them at 306-975-8300 or report online at saskatoonpoliceservice.ca.