Scam alert issued regarding ‘phone spoofing’

The Chatham-Kent Police would like to remind the public to use caution when being asked for money.

Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege yesterday, a complainant received a call on his cell phone, which has sparked a scam alert.

“The number on the phone appeared to be a Chatham-Kent Police Service number,” police officials said in a media release.

“This is called phone spoofing as scammers use software to disguise their calls as local numbers and mislead people into thinking the call is from a reputable business or person.”

Police officials added: “He was told that his Social Insurance Number (SIN) had been compromised and that the police were seizing all of his bank accounts and credit cards. Further, he was told to withdraw $20,000 and deposit it through a protected Bitcoin account.”

The complainant withdrew the money, however decided to bring it directly to the police station, police officials say.

“While at the station, he received another call from the scammer,” police officials say.

“An officer took the call and advised the scammer that they were speaking with the Chatham-Kent Police. The scammer immediately disconnected the call.”

Police officials added: “Do not withdraw money, e-transfer, money transfer or purchase gift cards for any reason until you have verified that the call is legitimate by calling the appropriate agency directly. Do not use the number that the scammer gives you.”

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