‘Hell hath no place hot enough for them': Sask. premier calls out scammers targeting evacuees
The Canadian Red Cross and Government of Saskatchewan are warning residents after receiving reports of scammers targeting wildfire evacuees in the province.
'Individuals eligible for financial assistance will NOT need to provide their social insurance number, bank account information or credit card number during their registration or to receive assistance,' the Red Cross said in a statement Wednesday.
The organization said that evacuees will never be asked for any sort of payment in order to receive assistance. Additionally, the organization said it will never send a link through a text message, as the Canadian Red Cross only communicates via email, phone or in-person.
Evacuees are asked to stay informed and to immediately contact their local police service if they suspect they've been a victim of fraud.
'Hell hath no place hot enough for them.'
— Premier Scott Moe
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe had some choice words for those allegedly scamming residents who have been forced to flee their homes amid the wildfire state of emergency.
'You're the lowest form of life that is in existence here today,' he said, referring to the scammers.
The premier noted that many evacuees from the tri-city area of La Ronge faced a dangerous drive in the dead of night while fleeing their homes and had to drive through the wake of the Ditch02 Fire during their escape to Prince Albert.
'For someone to take advantage of a family that is in that situation – hell hath no place hot enough for them,' he added.
Moe also asked residents to be diligent and to immediately report any suspected scam or fraud to the Saskatchewan RCMP or their local law enforcement agency.
More information on scams and fraud prevention can be found on the Government of Canada's website.
Those looking for information on the province's wildfire situation or supports can call the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency's (SPSA) information line at 1-855-559-5502.
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