“York Regional Police does not make phone calls demanding money or detailed personal information. Any call or email of this nature should be considered a scam,” police said in a media release issued Thursday.
York police warn public not to trust call display as scammers are posing as police officers
Police said a large number of frauds that occur over the phone involve the use of phone number spoofing, where suspects use software programs or other technology to change their caller ID to display false information.
“York Regional Police does not make phone calls demanding money or detailed personal information. Any call or email of this nature should be considered a scam,” police said in a media release issued Thursday.
York Regional Police is warning the public not to trust call display, and to be cautious of suspicious calls or emails from scammers impersonating officers.
“Never trust the information displayed on an incoming call,” police said in a media release issued Thursday. “If a situation feels suspicious, trust your instincts.”
In recent incidents, police said fraudsters have phoned victims posing as police officers. Fraudsters will ask the victim to provide a monetary payment, cryptocurrency or financial information in order to prevent their assets from being seized or frozen, York police warn.
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Police won’t make phone calls demanding money or detailed personal information. “Any call or email of this nature should be considered a scam,” police said.
Additionally, people should be careful when providing personal information or payments by methods that they may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with.
People who have concerns about the possibility of being involved in a police or criminal investigation are asked to confirm directly with their local police service.
Police said a large number of frauds that occur over the phone involve the use of phone number spoofing, where suspects use software programs or other technology to change their caller ID to display false information.
“Suspects can make it appear as though a call is coming from any organization or business. In most cases, they pose as government agencies, police services, the Canada Revenue Agency and other legal entities,” police explained in the release.
Investigators say people who believe they have been involved in a scam by people pretending to be York police officers should file a report online or call 1-866-876-5423.
To report fraud where no money was lost, people should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Fatima Raza
is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room
in Toronto. Reach her via email: fraza@thestar.ca
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