Reports of fraudulent calls with suspects claiming to be from York Regional Police have prompted a reminder fraud unit not to trust information displayed on caller ID or the phone number displayed for incoming calls.
Fraudsters who identify themselves as police officers have recently contacted victims by telephone and told them to provide a monetary payment, cryptocurrency or financial information to prevent their assets from being seized or frozen, police said in a news release.
"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. "If you have concerns about the possibility of being involved in a police or criminal investigation, this should be discussed and confirmed directly with your local police service."
Many telephone frauds involve the use of phone number spoofing, police said. Scammers use software programs or other technology to alter the 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, Canada Revenue Agency and other legal entities. Citizens are encouraged to confirm to whom they are speaking through their own research, police advised.
"Never trust the information displayed on an incoming call."
Be cautious and confirm any suspicious calls or emails before providing any information, police added.
"If a situation feels suspicious, trust your instincts. Do not be talked into providing personal information or payments by methods that you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with and call companies or agencies back to verify information."
If you have been a victim of a fraud and have lost money, report the incident promptly to York Regional Police either online at www.yrp.ca/en/online-reporting/Report-a-Crime.asp or by calling 1-866-876- 5423. To report frauds where no money has been lost, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
