Residents across Canada should be on alert after a rash of calls in which fraudsters impersonate Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers and make it look as though they are calling from the Kelowna detachment’s non‑emergency line.
How the scam works
Detachment officials say the caller ID may show the legitimate non‑emergency number for Kelowna RCMP, 250‑762‑3300, but the calls are not coming from the police. Callers falsely claim police have someone in custody who allegedly possesses the victim’s personal information, then try to persuade the person to click a link and supply passwords, banking details or other sensitive data.
“We want to remind the public that caller ID information can be manipulated and should not be relied upon as proof of who is calling,” said Cpl. Allison Konsmo.
Police guidance
Kelowna RCMP outline that police will not request passwords or bank information by phone, will not direct people to click links to verify accounts, and will not ask for transfers or payments to resolve an investigation. Anyone who receives such a call is urged to hang up immediately and avoid further engagement.
- Do not provide passwords or banking information over the phone.
- Do not click on links sent by callers claiming to be police.
- If unsure, disconnect and call your local police using a number from an official website or directory.
Reporting and resources
If you believe you have been targeted or have lost money, the RCMP recommends contacting your local police and the Kelowna non‑emergency line at 250‑762‑3300. Further information on scams and how to report them is available from the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre.
| What to do | Who to contact |
|---|---|
| Hang up and verify | Local police using public number |
| Report fraud | Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre |
Calls impersonating police and using spoofed caller ID are a common tactic for fraudsters. The RCMP stresses that caller ID alone is not proof of a caller’s identity and urges the public to take steps to protect personal and financial information.
