Toronto Police Service
www.tps.ca
———————–
News Release
Public Safety Alert, Telephone Scams Using Police Numbers
Broadcast time: 06:16 PM
Date: Saturday, Apr 20, 2024
Unit: Corporate Communications
Case #: N/A
The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of ongoing telephone scams where Toronto Police Service numbers are being spoofed.
There have been several instances over the last few weeks where members of the public have received telephone calls from what appears to be Toronto Police Service numbers and from someone claiming to be a police officer and advising the citizen that their vehicle was involved in a collision and that the caller should make a payment over the phone.
The Toronto Police Service will not ask the public for private financial information or payment over the phone or in an unsolicited email.
The caller display shows the number as 416-808 and four subsequent numbers. When the person calls the number back to say they missed a call from this number, it is discovered the initial call was a hoax and was not made by police.
Additionally, Toronto Police Service members would leave a voicemail, offer their name, badge number and a call back number for the public to call and confirm specific details. If your vehicle is involved in a collision you would be notified via letter on official Toronto Police Service letterhead and asked to come into the nearest Collision Reporting Collision (CRC).
Fraud Prevention
As a reminder to the public, there are numerous fraudulent calls being made where unknown people have the capability to mimic telephone numbers, sometimes called “spoofing” and place outgoing calls.
It is also suggested to never provide details or confirm personal details over the telephone, instead simply follow up with whatever agency is indicated to ensure they are aware of the matter.
If you have been the victim of a fraud or scam always report the matter to your local police. In Toronto, please call 416-808-2222 or online.
To learn more about reporting fraud or preventing frauds visit www.tps.ca/fraud
Constable Sinderela Chung for
—————————————————————————
https://www.tps.ca/