SASKATOON — The city is alerting residents to an ongoing tree removal scam that has recently surfaced in Saskatoon following a wave of concerned citizen reports.
Numerous residents disclosed receiving phone calls during the previous week, in the evening hours, from individuals claiming to represent the City of Saskatoon.
The callers identified as city representatives and requested appointments to remove "old and unsightly" city elm trees from the residents' properties.
Alarmed by the suspicious nature of the calls, the residents promptly contacted the city's Urban Forestry department to ascertain their authenticity.
The Urban Forestry team, responsible for tree-related matters, confirmed that they do not conduct evening calls to arrange the removal of city trees, nor were any city-owned trees present at the mentioned residential locations.
The city would like to let residents know that this occurrence is likely an impersonation scam, as the Urban Forestry Department does not initiate contact with residents regarding the removal of mature city trees.
Furthermore, the City's Bylaw Enforcement and fire departments must communicate with residents concerning tree removal or related bylaws under their jurisdiction.
In light of these developments, the City of Saskatoon is urging its customers and residents to remain vigilant.
The city emphasizes that they never solicit or collect credit card information, bank account details, or personal information via telephone, text, or email. If suspicious web links are received through email or text, individuals are advised not to click on them.
Moreover, never divulging personal, banking, or credit card information over the phone, text messages, or email is crucial. The recommended action is to block suspicious phone numbers and promptly delete them after reporting.
Fraudsters commonly exploit the information they acquire over the phone to extort money or commit identity theft.
Residents who fall victim to fraud are advised to contact their bank immediately. Additionally, incidents involving fraudulent phone or online scams should be reported to the Saskatoon Police Service through their online reporting platform for fraud at saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/fraud/ or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501.
Concerned individuals may also reach out to the City of Saskatoon by contacting a Service Saskatoon Customer Care Representative at 306-975-2476.
