Northern BC RCMP warns of uptick in spoofing calls impersonating PG officers

The Prince George RCMP are warning the public about an increase in spoofing calls from what appears to be the Detachment’s phone number.

Over the last two weeks, police officers have received many calls from the public to report that phone calls are being made to residents across Canada from the non-emergency line.

During these calls, a person identifies themselves as a “detective” who states they have a man in custody with that individual’s identification in his possession. The “detective” then begins to ask for the personal information of the person who received the call.

“Phone and online frauds are becoming increasingly complex and harder to detect as fake,” stated Corporal Jennifer Cooper, BCRCMP spokesperson for Northern B.C.

“Our advice is always: when in doubt, hang up and call that number back. That will tell you right away if you are receiving a legitimate call or not.”

Here are some tips to help keep you safe from fraud:

• If someone has your identification, they should be able to provide you with the information they are seeing, not asking you to provide it.
• Hang up the phone and research the call back number for the company or organization yourself, then call that number. Never use the redial function on your phone.
• Hang up and research if a phone call, email or text message is how that company communicates with their clients.
• Before sending information or money, ask a close friend or family member if they think the call could be legitimate.
• Be wary of calls, text messages or emails that put pressure on you to make a quick decision. Fraudsters will often put pressure in the form of a time limit on you to force you into making a snap decision.
• Do an internet search to see if anyone online is talking about a similar call or type of communication. That might help you to decide if this is fraudulent or legitimate.

For a link on current frauds and scams, or information on what to do if you are the victim of a fraud or scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Click here.