Police warn of caller ID phone scams
Police say don’t trust your caller ID if York Regional Police calls you.
Investigators with the York Regional Police Major Fraud Unit are reminding citizens not to trust the information displayed on caller ID or the phone number displayed for incoming calls after reports of fraudulent calls with suspects claiming to be from York Regional Police.
In recent incidents, fraudsters have contacted victims by telephone and identified themselves as police officers.
The fraudster tells the victim to provide a monetary payment, cryptocurrency or financial information to prevent their assets from being seized or frozen.
In a statement released Thursday, York Regional Police said it does not make phone calls demanding money or detailed personal information. Any call or email of this nature should be considered a scam.
If you have concerns about possibly being involved in a police or criminal investigation, this should be discussed and confirmed directly with your local police service.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Police say a large number of frauds that occur over the phone involve the use of phone number spoofing. This involves the suspects using 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, the Canada Revenue Agency and other legal entities. People are encouraged to confirm to whom they are speaking through their own research. Never trust the information displayed on an incoming call.
York Regional Police is reminding people to be cautious and to confirm any suspicious calls or emails they receive before providing any information. If a situation feels suspicious, trust your instincts. Do not get 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 fraud and have lost money, report the incident promptly to York Regional Police either online 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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.