The Canadian Red Cross and the Government of Saskatchewan are warning residents about a surge in scam attempts targeting wildfire evacuees. Authorities report that fraudsters are exploiting the crisis by posing as aid agencies and attempting to steal personal and financial information from displaced individuals.
The Red Cross clarified that evacuees do not need to provide social insurance numbers, banking details, or credit card information to register or receive financial support. The organization also stressed it will never request payments for assistance or send text message links, communicating only through email, phone, or in-person contact.
Premier Scott Moe condemned the scammers in forceful terms, calling them “the lowest form of life that is in existence here today.” He expressed outrage that anyone would exploit families who had to flee dangerous wildfires in the La Ronge region, sometimes escaping at night through treacherous fire zones.
“For someone to take advantage of a family that is in that situation — hell hath no place hot enough for them,” Moe said.
Authorities are urging evacuees to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the RCMP or their local police service immediately.
Swifteradio.com
