WPS warns scammers are pretending to be police with spoofed caller ID
Winnipeg police are warning the public not to trust caller ID, as fraudsters are finding ways to spoof the technology and impersonate officers.
Const. Jay Murray says they’ve had a few recent reports of phone scammers using caller ID to make it appear as if they are from a Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) number, often the general inquiry line – 204-986-6313.
“From that point, they claim to be a police officer or an investigator of some type and attempt to use components of an existing scam, such as the grandparents or a (Canada Revenue Agency) scam, to try and obtain personal information, gift cards, money or credit card details,” Murray explained.
Grandparent scams typically involve a panicked call to an elderly person, with the person on the line claiming to be a grandchild or a family member who is in jail and needs money immediately.
READ MORE: Winnipeg police warn of 'new twist' on scam targeting grandparents
Murray says in this iteration, the caller impersonates police and asks for money or gift cards to help the family member, usually involving some sense of urgency.
“People tend to sometimes make rash decisions under pressure, maybe they don't have an opportunity to corroborate some of that information,” he said.
Murray says spoofing caller ID is nothing new, but this is the first time fraudsters have used WPS’ general inquiries line.
He notes the caller ID system is not very secure, and people should know that it might not necessarily be accurate. The public is encouraged to try to confirm the identity of the person on the call.
If the caller claims they are a family member, ask the caller a few personal questions that a family member could answer but an imposter could not.
Additionally, he said police or courts, including lawyers, will never send someone to your home to try and collect money or gift cards. They will also never tell you to lie to your bank about the purpose of obtaining money.
Similarly, CRA will never demand immediate payment.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REPORTING SCAMS
Meantime, Murray says many of these crimes go unreported, as people who fall prey to them are either too embarrassed to come forward, or think reporting them won’t do anything.
“Reporting that, whether you've been a victim or not, whether it's been successful or not, is very important. Not only will it help yourself, but it helps us prevent this from happening to other people, as well,” he said, adding police can sometimes mitigate lost money or stop the transaction altogether.
More information on how to report a fraud or scam can be found on the WPS website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.