The Belleville Police Service is warning the public about a scam in which fraudsters impersonate police officers using “spoofed” phone numbers.
Caller ID spoofing allows scammers to make it appear that calls are coming from familiar organizations, including police services. Recent reports indicate that callers may address victims by name and claim to be a member of the Belleville Police Service investigating an urgent matter, such as an arrest. These scams often attempt to intimidate or coerce individuals into providing personal or financial information.
Tips to protect yourself:
· Verify suspicious calls: If someone claims to be from a trusted organization, ask for their name, hang up, and call the organization directly using a number you know is legitimate.
· Do not rely solely on caller ID: Scammers can make any number appear on your phone display.
· Never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to report them to the Belleville Police Service at 613-966-0882.
