RCMP number 'spoofed' to scam Burnaby resident out of $6,000

Burnaby RCMP is warning the public that one of its detachment phone numbers was recently “spoofed” and used to scam a local resident out of $6,000.

Spoofing is when a caller identification (caller ID) or call display is manipulated to show trusted phone numbers.

Last month, Burnaby RCMP got a report a local resident had transferred $6,000 worth of Bitcoin to a scammer because the call appeared to come from the Burnaby RCMP's Metrotown office, according to police.

The victim first got a call from a scammer posing as a Canada Border Services Agency official saying the victim owed money that needed to be paid, police said.

When the victim said they didn’t believe the scammer, the scammer warned the victim they would be getting a call from the RCMP.

The victim then got another call that looked like it was coming from the Burnaby RCMP’s Metrotown office, and the victim finally deposited the money, according to police.

Burnaby RCMP are now reminding the public that local police don’t contact individuals through email or telephone for the purpose of collecting money.

“Don’t be a victim of fraud,” Burnaby RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mike Kalanj said in a news release. “There are many ways to protect yourself from being a victim; please follow the link provided for tips. Please talk about these scams with friends and neighbours to help spread the word.”

For more tips on how to protect yourself from scams and fraud, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.

Follow Cornelia Naylor on Twitter @CorNaylor
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