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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.