The Chatham-Kent Police are reminding the public to use caution when being asked for money.
A local resident has filed complaints about calls to their cell phones that appear to be from a Chatham-Kent Police Service phone number.
Police say this is known as “phone spoofing”. Scammers use software to disguise their calls as local numbers and mislead people into thinking the call is from a reputable business or person.
The individual who filed the complaint was told that his Social Insurance Number (SIN) had been compromised and that the police were seizing all of his bank accounts and credit cards. Further, he was told to withdraw $20,000 and deposit it through a protected Bitcoin account.
The complainant withdrew the money, however decided to bring it directly to the police station. While at the station, he received another call from the scammer. An Officer took the call and advised the scammer that they were speaking with the Chatham-Kent Police. The scammer immediately disconnected the call.
Police remind residents – DO NOT withdraw money, e-transfer, money transfer or purchase gift cards for any reason until you have verified that the call is legitimate by calling the appropriate agency directly. Do not use the number that the scammer gives you.
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