Islanders advised to 'take a break' if they get a call that looks like it's from P.E.I. police

Police are asking Islanders to hang up if they receive a phone call that appears to be from the P.E.I. RCMP. 

That's because the caller could be a scammer who's "spoofing" the numbers of police agencies — and they just want to steal your money. 

"The scammers go on to pretend to be police and say that there's been a compromise of [the victim's] social insurance number and they ask people to move money or provide personal information," said Cpl. Gavin Moore, the P.E.I. RCMP's media relations officer. 

"What we really want to convey to Islanders is that caller ID can be completely faked. Someone can put whatever phone number they want on there, so that can't be trusted." 

RCMP issued a news release this week warning people that this type of spoofing scam has been reported numerous times across the province as of late.

Spoofing refers to a technology fraudsters use to alter the caller ID of incoming calls so that the display appears to be from a trusted number. 

Moore said the scam calls reported on P.E.I. appear to be coming from places like courthouses, sheriffs' offices, police agencies or government institutions like the Canada Revenue Agency. 

The culprits will contact anyone through this method in a desperate attempt to get money. Even police officers themselves aren't immune — Moore said he's received calls from numbers purporting to be the P.E.I. RCMP.   

He said some Islanders have recently fallen victim to the scam and sent money. 

"If this was the actual police calling you, we would welcome you to call back using the number that you know and trust," Moore said. "Scammers will not want you to hang up. They want your information and they want your money." 

RCMP advised Islanders to be cautious of any incoming phone call and assume it could be a scam.

Police said if you receive a suspicious call: 

• Take a break to pause and collect your thoughts. It's OK to hang up. Don't feel pressured to act. Never provide personal or financial information over the phone.
• Verify the caller: If you're unsure, contact your local police service directly using a number you know and trust.
• Inform your loved ones by discussing fraud awareness and sharing this warning.

Moore said it's also important to spread the word with family and friends about what types of scams are out there. 

This is a very embarrassing type of crime to have to deal with.— Cpl. Gavin Moore, P.E.I. RCMP

Only a small percentage of fraud victims come forward to report the incident to police, he said. 

"This is a very embarrassing type of crime to have to deal with," Moore said. 

"That's why we're asking Islanders to please share this message with… those you believe may be vulnerable to incoming phone calls that could lead people astray and help protect them by letting them know about this scam."