Kamloops RCMP warn about phone scam with detachment number on call display

KAMLOOPS – Another scam is making its way around the city of Kamloops, and this time fraudsters have found a way to use the main number of the local RCMP detachment while attempting to scam residents.

Kamloops RCMP say residents have reported a phone scam where the fraudster informs them that there is a warrant for their arrest and they are instructed to deposit BitCoin into an account to avoid a police officer coming to their residence and arresting them.

“Alarmingly, the number that appears on the caller ID sometimes actually lists the phone number and the name of the Kamloops RCMP,” Kamloops RCMP media spokesperson Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says in a media release.

Police say if you receive a call like this, hang up.

“You will never receive a phone call that tells you there’s a warrant issued for your arrest. Those matters are handled via paper documentation, typically served in person by a uniformed officer,” Shelkie says.

If you receive one of these scam phone calls, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre here.


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Karen Edwards

Originally from southern Ontario, Karen Edwards moved out west after completing her journalism diploma at Durham College. She first began reporting in northern Alberta for a small town newspaper. The busy two-person newsroom taught Karen the importance of accurate and fast reporting. Now working for iNFO News, she is excited to report in a larger community. Karen has written for all kinds of news, including education, crime and mental health. Her background also includes video journalism and documentary production.