Scammers faked caller ID to look like the Enoch RCMP, and one robocall urged people to press 1. Police say a screen that says police proves nothing.
Scammers in Enoch, Alberta are making phone calls look like they come from the local RCMP detachment. Police say that on Nov. 3 they received multiple reports of calls showing "Enoch RCMP" or the detachment's 24-hour complaint line on the caller ID.
The trick is called spoofing. Scammers use technology to change the name or number that shows up on your phone. So the screen can say police even when the caller is not. In one reported case, a recorded message said someone had been arrested with "your critical information" and asked the listener to press 1 to speak to an officer.
Police say the Enoch RCMP complaint line does not use automated messages. That is a useful tell. A recording claiming to be that line is not real.
A call that looks official can make people drop their guard. Fear that your identity has been stolen pushes you to act fast. Police warn against sharing your name, address, date of birth or passwords. They also say to be suspicious of anyone who demands immediate payment or asks for bank information.
Police have not said how many people got the calls or whether anyone lost money. They have not said what happens after someone presses 1, or who is behind the calls.
The alert box above lists what to do, including the number to report a suspicious call. Police add that if no one answers that line, you can leave a voicemail. They also suggest talking to a family member or someone you trust if you are unsure about a call, message or email.
Caller ID can be faked, so never share personal or bank details with someone who calls claiming to be police.
The Attala County Sheriff's Office in Mississippi says scam calls are reaching residents, and a call that sounds official may not be.
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