Scammers targeting victims in Kelowna by spoofing police phone number

Mounties in Kelowna are investigating a report of a scam in which criminals impersonate police.

The fraudsters call people at home while spoofing the Kelowna RCMP phone number.

Victims are then told they are speaking to a police officer who is investigating criminal activity.

The victims are informed their personal information has been used in the crimes and are asked to confirm details about themselves.

Cpl Foster added that this is not how police investigate crimes of that nature.

“This scam has resulted in victims providing social insurance numbers and banking information to the fraudster over the phone,” said Cpl Meghan Foster.

She added: “Currently, we have not received reports of identity theft that are directly related to this latest scam, and we want to prevent people from having to make those reports.”

Police also warned the public that identity theft can happen online, over the phone, through fax machines and by regular mail.

“Therefore, be particularly wary of unsolicited e-mails, telephone calls or mail attempting to extract personal or financial information from you,” members of the public are warned.

“Periodically check your credit reports, bank and credit card statements and report any irregularities promptly to the relevant financial institution and to the credit bureaus.”