Tantramar issues text scam warning | Image: Clinton Davis
Yet another text scam is circulating in the Tantramar region. Police and the Town of Sackville are warning residents about fraudulent text messages claiming citizens have local by-law or parking infractions.
Officials say the messages are not legitimate. Residents are advised not to click unknown links and not to provide personal or banking information.
The town stresses it will never contact citizens to pay fines via text message or social media.
While the alert did not clarify, legitimate by-law fines or parking tickets are generally issued on paper, or by mail, and can be paid online or by phone through official channels.
Broader context
Text and phone scams are among the most common types of fraud in Canada. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported Canadians lost over $530 million to fraud in 2022, with text and phone scams among the leading methods. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Canadians reported 12,815 fraud cases representing losses of $165 million. Authorities say the real numbers are likely much higher, since only a fraction of scams are reported.
How to protect yourself
- Never click on links in unsolicited texts.
- Do not provide personal or financial details in reply.
- Verify by contacting the town or relevant agency directly using official phone numbers or websites.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile carrier.
- Report incidents to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).
