MOUNTIES in Prince George are advising the public not to fall victim to a scam that is currently circulating known as the “hitman” or “assassin” scam.

In this type of fraud, victims are contacted via email or text and are given threatening messages that the sender has been sent to kill them because they were sent by someone who has betrayed the victim, or that they have allegedly been studying the victim for some time. The sender then offers to cancel the contract for a large sum of money and requests the funds in cryptocurrency or Bitcoin.

“While these messages can be alarming, it’s important to remember that this is a type of fraud or scam designed to create a sense of urgency and alarm. It is important to remember that these messages are a type of extortion and to never send any money, as there is no guarantee that sending money once will stop the messages and demands,” warns Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for Prince George RCMP.

Frequently, the personal information is learned by the sender based on information they have found doing online searches about you; so checking to see what information you have publicly available and changing your online privacy settings can help prevent these types of messages from being received, say the Mounties.

For more information about common frauds and scams, visit the RCMP’s Frauds and Scams information page, or visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.