Fraudsters make it look like phone calls are from the cops, Mississauga and Brampton residents warned

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Published March 2, 2023 at 11:01 am

Mississauga and Brampton residents are being warned that fraudsters looking to scam them can make it appear as if ill-intentioned phone calls are actually coming from police.

Peel Regional Police took to social media this morning (March 2) to alert residents to yet another scam–one of numerous that target the public–that attempts to prey upon unsuspecting victims.

“Fraudulent calls come from any (phone) number. Fraudsters can even make it look like the call is coming from police,” Peel cops said in a post to Twitter. “Never feel compelled to provide personal information, even if they identify as an officer. Offer to attend the police station to speak with an officer in person.”

Peel police, law enforcement agencies across Ontario and Canada, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) continually keep the public informed of the latest scams used by fraudsters.

This past Christmas, when scams are more prevalent each year, authorities made public 12 of the most popular holiday scams. Variations of the frauds are used throughout the year.

According to the CAFC, Canadians lost more than $530 million to fraud in 2022 and much of that could have been prevented if victims were more informed of the tactics used by scammers.

Earlier this week, as Canadian Fraud Prevention Month kicked off, Peel police issued several notices via social media alerting people to the various scams out there and how they can educate and protect themselves.

One such fraud they specifically noted is known as the “grandparents scam” that’s on the rise across the GTA and targets seniors.

Seniors are contacted by phone by a fraudster passing themselves off as a grandchild of the would-be victim. They claim they’re in trouble and need money wired to them immediately.

Another recent scam targeting people in Mississauga, Brampton and across the country involves fraudsters using a fake Service Canada letter to get information and money from potential victims.

For more information on the various frauds/scams, visit Peel Regional Police or Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre websites.

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