RCMP are warning about an online scam in which con artists impersonating police are targeting Manitobans.

The fraudsters try to convince people there’s a warrant for their arrest, but it can be taken care of by sending gift cards or bitcoin, RCMP said in a news release.

People have received random texts or emails that contain a link that connects to a video conference call with the fake officer.

The fraudster then works to convince the person they face arrest unless they comply with the demand.

Dozens of people have called the Manitoba RCMP’s general line phone number in the past two weeks, provided by the fraudsters as a way to convince the potential victim the issue is legitimate.

RCMP will never send people unsolicited texts or links to click on, will never ask people to transfer money or make a payment in any form, will not ask to remotely access a computer, nor request personal information such as date of birth or banking details, the news release says.

If you get a message like that, don’t click the link and delete the text, RCMP said.

If you have clicked such a link or provided personal details to a possible fraudster, contact your financial institution, then report it to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, they said.