Police across the country have been trying to warn the public about how sophisticated scammers are getting and now they are being impersonated and used in these ploys.
According to a press release from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the force said that fraudsters are now using policing agencies across the country and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) as a way to gain people’s trust.
In the latest edition, victims are misled to believe that police are asking for their help to catch a dishonest bank employee or resolve a suspicious transaction by providing personal information or transferring funds.
Another ploy by fraudsters is targeting the RCMP and the CAFC by sending text messages from “officers” on delivery notices. The messages say that police are not able to deliver court documents and asks the person to click a link to “reschedule the delivery.”
Police say people often impersonate trusted organizations claiming there are issues with the person’s bank account. They pressure victims to provide information, ask for transferring of funds or tell the person they are helping in a fake investigation.
To appear more credible they can spoof numbers or emails, meaning they look like the call is coming from police or another organization. Emails with fake logos or contact information are also attached.
“Do not trust caller ID,” officials say.
The people behind the calls can make it look like the calls are from the police non-emergency line or other trusted people.
“If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and verify the claims by contacting your bank or the organization directly,” the OPP press release notes.
The force says the non-emergency line is only for incoming calls. Officers will never contact the public to demand cryptocurrency or funds in connection to any investigations.
“Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages and never share authentication codes. Do not allow anyone remote access to your computer under any circumstances,” police said.
