Comox Valley RCMP are warning residents about a phone scam involving callers impersonating police.
RCMP said they have received several reports of calls where the caller ID is manipulated to display “Comox Valley RCMP.”
Police said officers will never ask for financial information to verify someone’s identity or demand money to resolve criminal charges.
“This tactic, known as “spoofing,” allows fraudsters to make a call appear as though it is coming from a legitimate police agency,” said RCMP in a statement. “In these instances, the impersonators may claim the recipient is under investigation for a criminal offence in an attempt to obtain personal or financial information.”
RCMP advised anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up and contact police directly to verify the caller.
Reports of scams where no money was lost can be made to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Anyone who has lost money to a scam should contact RCMP.
