P.E.I. warns of scams targeting newcomers

The PEIAssociation for Newcomers to Canada is warning of new phone and email scams that target immigrants.

The messages claim to be from the federal immigration officials and tell victims they owe money.The messages started across Canada acouple of weeks ago.

"What we're trying to do is put the word out to newcomers that the government doesn't operate by phoning people or emailing people," said CraigMackie, the association's executive director.

'See if it is real'

A handout the association has posted urges victims not to comply with anydemandsfrom callers claiming to be with the Immigration Review Board or RCMP, and to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

They can also contact the Association for Newcomers for help, Mackie said.

No one on P.E.I. has yet to be targeted by phone, Mackie said, while one Island family was targeted by email.

Email scams often try to trick newcomers into sharing personal and banking information by telling them they've won somethingor have been nominated for special immigration status.

"They can come in a variety of forms," Mackie said. "Be very careful and if you're unsure, please check with us or even better with government to see if it is real."

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