Niagara Police warn of phone scammer using their name

Niagara Regional Police are warning residents to be aware of a phone scam that involves the scammer using their name.

Sometime this month, a resident took a call that began with an automated message stating there was an issue with their social insurance number.

When the victim stayed on the line the scammer falsely identified themselves as a Niagara Regional Police officer.

Police say the victim “believed this to be a real call and attended a local convenience store at the direction of the scammer. The victim made a payment in Bitcoin to prevent their ‘arrest’.”

They added the victim lost approximately $600.

The victim reported to the Niagara Regional Police that his caller ID when the scammer called, displayed the Niagara Regional Police Service non-emergency administration number (905-688-4111).

Niagara Police said, “Law enforcement agencies will not contact you via an automated call and then demand payment in Bitcoin, cash or gift cards.”

They added, “If you are unsure of the validity of the caller, ask for their details (badge-ID number, full name and incident number) and then follow up on your own. Search the internet and find an official website with contact information.”