RCMP investigate ongoing northern Alberta cheque fraud scheme

RCMP officers are warning the public in northern Alberta about several instances of individuals attempting to use fake cheques.
Since Nov. 16, Mounties say they have been called to investigate three incidents that involved at least 10 fraudulent cheques in Fort Vermilion, Blumenort, High Level, and Bushe River.
No further details were available from the RCMP as their investigations continue.
"Fort Vermilion RCMP encourage the public to take precautions when dealing with cheques from individuals they might not know or involving high-value amounts," the police force said in a statement.
RCMP recommends asking for at least two pieces of government-issued identification from anyone signing a cheque and that business owners obtain a copy.
"Do not accept a digital copy of the identification produced on an electronic device such as a smart phone. Compare the two pieces of ID produced for accuracy.
"Do not hesitate to call the business or individual appearing on the cheque to confirm the person you are dealing with is authorized to issue the cheque."
Police believe there could be further victims to the fraud and ask anyone with information to contact Fort Vermilion RCMP at 780-927-3255 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'We've been abandoned': Man dies in B.C. town waiting for health care near ambulance station
For the second time in less than a month, a resident of Ashcroft, B.C., died while waiting for health care after having a heart attack mere metres from a local ambulance station.

'I have to fight for myself': Quadriplegic man says N.S. government told him to live in a hospital
A diving accident at 14-years-old left Brian Parker paralyzed from the chest down. Now at age 49, he's without the person who was caring for him full-time until just last week, after his 68-year-old mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Canadian home sales fall for 5th month in a row, down 29 per cent from last July
Canada's average resale home price fell 4.5% from a year ago in July and was down 5.4% on the month as buyers continued to sit on the sidelines amid rising borrowing costs.
Wet'suwet'en pipeline protest blocks Vancouver traffic
A large rally planned in Vancouver to protest the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern B.C. blocked traffic Monday morning.
New COVID-19 booster targeting Omicron, original variants approved in U.K.
British drug regulators have become the first in the world to authorize an updated version of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine that aims to protect against the original virus and the omicron variant.
Thousands of Afghans who helped Canada trapped in Afghanistan, struggling to leave
Canadian MPs and veteran groups are urging ministers to do more to help thousands of Afghans who assisted Canadian Forces, but remain trapped in Afghanistan a year after the Taliban seized Kabul.
Pfizer CEO tests positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms
The top executive at Pfizer, a leading producer of COVID-19 vaccines, has tested positive for the virus and says he is experiencing very mild symptoms.
Prince Harry, Meghan to visit U.K., Germany next month
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will visit the U.K. next month for the first time since they returned for Queen Elizabeth II 's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Padma Lakshmi 'worried and wordless' over attack on ex-husband Salman Rushdie
Padma Lakshmi is supporting her ex-husband Salman Rushdie in his recovery. The 'Top Chef' star tweeted Sunday that she is 'relieved' Rushdie is 'pulling through after Friday's nightmare' in which he was stabbed multiple times while on stage in New York.