In recent months, the Niagara Regional Police Service say they have have received reports of scam phone calls involving persons claiming to be NRPS officers.
The “phony officers” claim that the member of the public has committed a crime and that there is warrant for their arrest. The member of the public is then asked about their personal banking information and social insurance number. This is done under the guise of paying a fine instead of arrest and “verifying” the potential victim’s identity. This scam is further complicated by the use of technology that can cause a phone display to show a local Niagara telephone number, or a NRPS registered telephone number.
Members of the public are advised to be cautious of such scams and know that the NRPS will not call you and ask for banking information while telling you are wanted. NRPS officers would never negotiate payments for fines over the phone or roadside. Furthermore, the NPRS does not accept etransfers or wire payments for any fees or services.
If you have been a victim of a scam and suffered a financial loss please call our dispatch to report to file a report (905-688-4111). If you received one of these calls/messages but did not experience a financial loss, please report by calling Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501 or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
Tips
If you suspect it is a scam, it may be. DO NOT provide personal banking information
OR, If you suspect it is a scam, just hang up.
Information on crimes can also be submitted anonymously using Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers via:
Telephone – 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
Online – www.niagaratips.ca
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