Scam featuring New Westminster Police Department phone number prompts warning

THE New Westminster Police Department is warning of a recent scam that is using call spoofing technology to make it appear as if the calls are coming from the New Westminster Police Department.

Some people receiving these fraudulent calls say they were told by someone claiming to be a police officer that packages for them have been seized at the Canada-US border, and that there was a warrant issued for their arrest.

“They are using this as a tactic to solicit personal information from unsuspecting people,” said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar. “If you receive one of these calls, block their number and hang up.”

If you have shared personal information or money due to this scam you are encouraged to file a police report by calling 604-525-5411. Some instances of fraud can also be reported to New Westminster Police online at www.nwpolice.org.

If you did not share anything of value but received a scam phone call you are encouraged to report it to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

Help the New Westminster Police Department by sharing this scam warning with family and friends and translating if you have the ability to do so.