Sioux Lookout OPP advise of call-spoofing scam

Tim Brody - Editor

Ontario Provincial Police in Sioux Lookout are advising that they have received reports that a call-spoofing scam may be affecting local individuals.

“We are asking individuals to ensure they speak directly to the individual supposedly requesting monetary / out of the ordinary requests in order to confirm it is legitimate. Anyone who receives a call or text like this is requested to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm) to report,” shared Sioux Lookout OPP Community Safety / Mobilization Officer, Constable Andrea DeGagne.

People can also check out the Government of Canada’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (https://cyber.gc.ca/en/). 

Sioux Lookout OPP clarified call-spoofing as, “Individuals who responded to an email, text message, or recorded voice phone call that appeared to be from a legitimate person or organization but contained malicious links or requests.”

Police further clarified, “Should you receive a text / email communication from a known sender or local number with an unusual request, such as a transfer of funds through Apple, Google Play or Amazon pre-paid cards, please use an alternate method to check in with the sender to confirm their request is legitimate. The OPP would also like to remind folks that the Government will never request or accept money via these pre-paid cards, nor will you be asked to provide personal information, such as your social insurance number, over the phone.”

Police are asking if you or someone you know suspects they have been a victim of digital or online cybercrime, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.