The City of Kamloops is warning residents about a scam in which an individual is impersonating the Mayor in an attempt to obtain personal information and money related to property taxes.

City officials say they recently became aware of a case where a resident received a text message from someone falsely claiming to be the Mayor. In the message, the scammer alleged the resident had been selected to receive a property tax discount and requested sensitive documents, including a copy of a property tax notice.

The individual was also instructed to send an upfront payment in order to receive a supposed reimbursement — a request the City says is entirely fraudulent.

Officials emphasize that the communication is a scam. The City confirms it does not offer property tax discounts and notes that neither the Mayor nor Council has the authority to override provincial property taxation legislation. It also stresses that the City will never contact residents by text message to request personal information or payments.

Residents are being urged to remain cautious of unsolicited messages requesting financial or personal details. The City recommends that people avoid sharing documents such as tax notices with unknown contacts, and instead verify any suspicious communication directly through official City channels.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted is encouraged to report the incident to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

The City is also asking residents who receive similar messages to contact police and to reach out to City Hall for clarification regarding property taxes.