Released on June 6, 2016
The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) is warning the public about an ongoing financial scam that attempts to solicit financial information from unsuspecting victims.This scam is committed by persons who claim to be representatives of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), an agency of the Government of the United States of America.
FCAA recently became aware that an individual claiming to be an employee of FinCEN has contacted members of the Saskatchewan public by telephone and email seeking their personal and financial information. The email address used by the individual is stopfraud@fincen.info. The individual claimed that personal and financial information was needed to aid with FinCEN’s investigation of companies for fraud relating to the sale of securities to Saskatchewan residents.
FinCEN is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Its mission is to safeguard the financial system from illicit use, combat money laundering, and promote national security through the collection, analysis, and dissemination of financial intelligence and strategic use of financial authorities. More information about FinCEN can be found on their website at www.fincen.gov.
A representative of FinCEN confirmed that it does not send unsolicited requests nor does it seek personal or financial information from members of the public. Further, a representative of FinCEN verified that it deals exclusively with financial institutions and does not investigate frauds directly.
If you have been contacted by an individual claiming to be an employee or representative of FinCEN, please contact the Securities Division of the FCAA at 306-787-5936.
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For more information, contact:
Shannon McMillan
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4160
Email: shannon.mcmillan@gov.sk.ca