Unusual scam in Weyburn averted by resident’s diligent action

By Steven Wilson

A rather unusual case was reported to the Weyburn Police Service last week.

A resident of the community received a phone call claiming that there had been a hit-and-run accident and that the resident’s vehicle was involved.

The caller asked for insurance information to make a claim. The resident was suspicious, though, as their vehicle hadn’t been involved in any sort of accident.

“This is the first time I’m aware of seeing it in Weyburn for certain, and likely even hearing about it any place in the province or Canada through police channels,” said Rod Stafford, Weyburn’s acting police chief.

The call is a type of scam, explained Stafford. The caller is trying to get information such as vehicle or personal information. From there, they would be able to perpetrate an identity theft type of scam.

“If they get your birthday, or driver’s licence number, vehicle plate number, those kinds of things, those can be used in potential identity fraud later on,” Stafford said.

Stafford added if it was a legitimate hit-and-run incident, police — not another individual — would be contacting the owner.