With COVID-19 waning police say new online scams have shifted to target those seeking the vaccine or obtaining government emergency benefits and other assistance.

THE RCMP are warning of new online or text message scams that thieves are using to target seniors and other vulnerable people in the community.

The top scam involves a national relief fee of $85 for getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Not true.

Police say people are usually sent a text message that claims they have received a national relief of $85 from the government for receiving the vaccine. Once you press a button to accept the new-found cash you’ve been hacked.

“The phone calls and text messages are similar in context and can include scams as offering free gifts, refunds or making demand for immediate payment,” according to the RCMP. “In order to carry out their scam, the fraudster tries to convince you they are a legitimate company and hide their identity.”

Police said the scammer may become more demanding and issue veiled threats if you refuse payment such as being arrested.

Another ruse is the CERB cheque scam, in which a text message alerts a customer that he or she has received a deposit for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and directs you to click an attached link, where you are ripped off.

An ugly scam is one involving utility services or the  phone internet company scam, in which a person receives a text indicating they are receiving a refund from the utility or provider due to the virus and to press an attached link to accept.

Once you press the link the hacker has access to your information.

Another online racket is one called ID Spoofing Scam, in which the caller deliberately disguises their phone number to appear on caller ID in order to hide their identity. The caller does this to trick you into believing they are a legit company.

The RCMP warn people receiving the calls to hang up the phone right away and do not follow the prompts. Here are some police tips.

Do not respond to the calls or text messages to unknown or suspicious phone numbers. Research the company contact information independently and call the company to confirm.

Do not click on attached links. They may lead you to fake websites.

Do not give out your personal or financial information through the phone or text messages.

Do not respond to robocallers prompting you to push a number to be placed on a do not call list.

Utility or Phone/Internet Companies generally do not collect credit card or bank account information over the phone, by email or by text.

No government agency or bank will threaten to arrest you.

No government agencies will request payment in Bitcoin, iTunes cards, gift cards or interact e-Transfers.