Police Warn of Nationwide Scam Spoofing Department Numbers

Multiple police departments across Canada, including the New Westminster Police, are warning the public about a wave of phone scams where fraudsters are spoofing non-emergency police department numbers to extract personal information. Scammers use technology to make it appear the calls are coming from legitimate police officers, often fabricating names and badge numbers. The New Westminster Police reported receiving numerous inquiries from individuals across the country questioning the legitimacy of these calls. Citizens are advised not to disclose any personal information over the phone and to verify any suspicious calls by contacting their local police department directly. This trend of phone scams is not limited to British Columbia, as similar tactics are being reported in Ontario, where scammers manipulate caller ID to create a false sense of trust. Federal officials in Texas have also issued warnings about scammers impersonating the U.S. Attorney's Office, highlighting the widespread nature of such fraudulent activities.