Crime of the Week – Scam Call
Crime Stoppers wants to remind everyone to use caution when being asked for money through an unknown phone call.
Earlier this week a resident of Chatham received a call on his cell phone. The number appeared to be a Chatham-Kent Police Service number. This is called phone spoofing as scammers use software to disguise their calls as local numbers and mislead people into thinking the call is from a reputable business or person.
He 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 to a Bitcoin account.
The complainant withdrew the money, however decided to bring it directly to the police station. While there, 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.
Crime Stoppers wants to remind you to never withdraw money, e-transfer, money transfer or purchase gift cards as payment to a government agency until you have verified that the call is legitimate by calling that agency directly.
If you have any information regarding this or any other crime please call CRIME STOPPERS at 519-351-8477, or 1-800-222-8477, or visit www.crime-stoppers.on.ca and email your tip.
Crime Stoppers guarantees your anonymity, we never ask for your name or your phone number. WE pay cash for YOUR tips.
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Crime of the Week
