West Vancouver police warn of scammers spoofing police phone number

The West Vancouver Police Department is warning the public about scammers who appear to call from the department’s own non-emergency line.

Police say victims are being wrongfully told they are speaking to an officer and provided a fake name and badge number.

“Many are then asked to download an app on their phone, putting themselves at significant risk,” police explained Wednesday.

The department says the line is solely used for you to report non-urgent police matters.

“The West Vancouver Police Department will never call you from our non-emergency line,” police explained.

They add that police will never ask you for money transfers, bitcoin, bail money or make you download an app to your phone.

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scammer, the department says you should hang up and report the attempted fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, either online or toll free at 1-888-495-8501.

“Do not call the ‘spoofed’ number back to inquire about missed calls. This inundates the non-emergency police line, delaying access for those who may need assistance.”