BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association
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Alberta RCMP are warning people not to hand over personal information after scammers posed as police officers and faked phone numbers to look like they were calling from local detachments.
The warning came Friday. Police say they received several reports over Thursday from people who received the fake calls.
The callers claimed to be RCMP officers, with some saying they were sergeants. They gave false regimental numbers in an attempt to sound real. The callers also took advantage of spoofing, a trick that changes the number on call display so it appears to come from a trusted source.
Victims were told police were investigating a crime they were involved in, or that their personal information had been stolen. The callers then try to gather as much identifying information from victims as possible. Police advised not to share personal details unless you were the one who initiated the contact and verified who you were speaking with. In some cases people were sent malicious web links to follow.
Police say the calls reached people in both Alberta and Ontario.
“You are not being rude; you are being safe,” RCMP said in an announcement yesterday, reminding the public not to be afraid to say no. Police also urged people that if they feel something is off, to verify with a family member or neighbour before sharing any details.
The Medicine Hat Police Service has warned about the same tactic. The force says its own phone number has previously been spoofed by scammers.
Canadians reported more than $704 million lost to fraud in 2025, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted is urged to call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
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