The Swift Current City RCMP are warning the public about an uptick in online fraud and phone scam cases over the last couple of weeks.

According to a police report from earlier this week, these instances typically range from alleged calls by the Canadian Revenue Agency, non-existing rental properties, the RCMP, or banks. 

In some cases, the fraudsters have been able to convince residents of southwestern Saskatchewan to buy them gift cards (pre-paid credit cards, iTunes, Google Play, or Bitcoin), e-transfers, cash, or share their social insurance numbers.

"The RCMP want to remind people that [the] Government of Canada agencies and banks will never request payment over the phone, nor payment via gift cards, crypto currencies or to send cash through the mail," the City RCMP said in a media release.

Other ways to help avoid these types of incidents is to ask to see the rental property in person, don't share your SIN number, use strong passwords online, and don't be afraid to say no.

Police also ask local retailers to be wary of people buying gift cards for over $200. They ask businesses to make sure the individual is buying the card for a legitimate reason.

If anyone within the City of Swift Current has information about fraudulent activities, the City RCMP ask that you contact them. If you have received a fraud call and would like to report it, click here.