Saanich residents run the risk of suffering identity fraud if they accept the services of companies that promise to speed up Canadian passport applications.
The Saanich Police Department issued this warning after receiving reports of a scam involving online companies falsely promising to speed up passport applications for a fee.
A/Sgt. Jereme Leslie said no third party can speed up passport applications, which are available for free. He added that only official passport service locations can collect passport fees.
“If you’re in urgent need of a passport there are legitimate ways to obtain express service,” said Leslie. “There are a number of other issues that go along with this fraud including giving out your personal information.”
Individuals who have been victims of this scam should gather all information about the fraud and contact local police. They should also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
Individuals can also protect themselves by contacting Equifax and Transunion to place a flag on their account.