June 25, 2020
Saanich Police are warning the public of a deceptive phone scam that is happening in Saanich (and CRD wide).The fraudsters have changed their number to appear as the SPD main line (250) 475-4321.
The scammers are aggressive and pretend to be officers on the phone. So far during this round of calls, no residents have reported losing money. In some cases, they are directing residents to Bitcoin machines in an attempt to defraud them.
“The Saanich Police will never call you and ask to withdraw money, purchase iTunes cards, nor direct you to a Bitcoin machine,” stated Detective Sergeant Kowalewich. “If you suspect that a scammer has called, document the caller ID number and hang up. Do not provide any personal information or give them any money, gift cards or Bitcoin”.
Police are also asking residents to share details of this recent scam with any vulnerable persons in their lives. If you suspect that you have received a call from one of these scammers please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
Detective Sergeant Damian Kowalewich