RICHMOND RCMP say they have received a report of the Richmond Detachment non-emergency phone number being spoofed by scammers. Caller ID spoofing involves altering the caller ID displayed to the person receiving a call to disguise the caller’s identity. Scammers often use this method to make it appear a call is coming from a legitimate company or government agency.

In one reported incident, the victim was advised they were being investigated and was asked to deposit $4,000 in Bitcoin to the fraudsters. In this case, the number on the caller ID appeared to be the Richmond Detachment non-emergency phone number.

“Phone numbers can be spoofed to look like they are from police or other trusted agencies. Police will never demand payment over the phone, and will never ask you for Bitcoin,” said Cpl. Denise Kam, Richmond RCMP Economic Crime Unit. “If you receive a suspicious call that appears to be from police, you can request the police file number and hang up. Verify the official phone number from a trusted directory or official website and call back directly.”

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, report the incident to your local police.

 “By informing the public, we hope to prevent more people from falling victim to this scam,” said Cpl. Melissa Lui, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer.