News release

Caller ID Spoofing: Protect Yourself from Phone Scams

January 22, 2025 - RCMP Headquarters, PE, Prince Edward Island
From: Prince Edward Island RCMP

Content

Did you know that caller ID phone numbers can be easily spoofed by scammers? Fraudsters can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though they are calling from trusted organizations, including courthouses, sheriff’s offices, and police departments. This deceptive tactic has been used across North America for years, and Prince Edward Island is no exception.

Recently, PEI RCMP received a report of a scam in which fraudsters impersonated an RCMP employee, claiming to be acting on behalf of Service Canada. The scammers demanded Bitcoin payments and used the Stratford RCMP phone number (902-367-9300) on caller ID to appear legitimate.

How to Protect Yourself from Caller ID Spoofing Scams:

Do not trust caller ID. Scammers can make any phone number appear on your display.
Never send Bitcoin or purchase gift cards in response to an unexpected phone call. Legitimate agencies will never request these forms of payment.
Verify suspicious calls. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a trusted organization, ask for their name, hang up, and call the organization back using contact information you know and trust.

Anyone who is the victim of a fraud is encouraged to report them to their local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
 

Contacts

Corporal Gavin Moore
Media Relations Officer
PEI RCMP
PEI RCMP