Reports have emerged that identify a recent scam involving an individual sending Facebook messages soliciting on behalf of the United Way Fund Foundation.
United Way of Calgary and Area has received two reports of people receiving Facebook messages offering a $100,000 grant in exchange for a $600 donation to the United Way Foundation. The scam is a phishing attempt to obtain personal information and both instances are frauds.
Calgary Police Service has been advised of the scam and a report has been submitted to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
“It’s unfortunate that fraudsters are attempting to take advantage of the goodwill of people and we stress that United Way does not engage in fundraising of this nature,” says Malcolm Gowie, Chief Financial Officer, United Way of Calgary and Area. “There is no United Way Foundation and we encourage anyone who receives a Facebook message soliciting on behalf of United Way to immediately delete the message.”
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this scam is encouraged to call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.