Police in Wood Buffalo say a con artist is active in the community posing as Chief Jim Boucher of the Fort McKay First Nation.
The scammer contacts individuals or business, posing as Chief Boucher, and then makes offers that have included proposals to purchase land, acquire business ventures, and involving bribes. The scammer then asks for some money to complete the transaction, ranging from a few hundred dollars to in excess of 10,000. Once the victim sends money, all contact is ceased. Authorities say these scams have typically taken place over the phone; however, scammers use many other mediums solicit money.
Jauvonne Kitto with the Fort McKay First Nation says “Fort McKay First Nation and the Fort McKay Group of Companies operates with professional advisors who conduct due diligence on all business proposals and transactions. Chief Jim Boucher does not conduct any business on behalf of the First Nation or the Group of Companies, nor does the Chief engage in any outside or personal business ventures. Chief Boucher is dedicated exclusively to being the Chief and fulfilling his leadership role within Fort McKay First Nation.”