The Regina Police Service would like to warn residents of a possible identity theft/fraud scam.
The scam begins with residents receiving a phone call, allegedly from the Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC). They state that they are from the CIC call centre and they ask for information such as your landing paper number, UCI number, passport number and other information. The fraud company mentions that this call is a verification phone call from the Immigration Department for a permanent residence card. The fraud company then instructs you to go to Esso and buy a “Power Pay Reload Pack” on your credit card and give them the pin number for the card. They will also mention that and immigration officer will show up at your house the next day with the PR (permanent resident) card and documents.
Please be advised that Citizen and Immigration Canada will NEVER ask for such items from a client. Never send money or give information over the phone if you don’t know who it is. No legitimate business or lottery will ask you to send them money in order to receive money or residency cards.
The Regina Police Service has had one known near victim within the last week. If you have been involved in such a scam, please contact the Regina Police Service 306-777-6500 or your local police agency to further investigate.