Regina police issue warning about phone scams using caller ID spoofing

Regina police are warning the public about caller ID spoofing.

They say targets of the fraudsters will see a legitimate number on their call display. When the target picks up, the person on the other end will start demanding personal details like a social insurance number or banking information.

“Caller ID Spoofing software has become openly available and requires minimal effort, which means a scammer can pretend to be anybody on your phone’s caller ID display,” the Regina Police Service said in a media release.

“Until this situation changes, it’s up to the person receiving the call to be vigilant and refuse to give personal or financial information over the phone.  Likewise, don’t comply with any unsolicited phone caller who demands payment in gift cards.”

Recently, police say people have been getting calls purportedly from the Canada Revenue Agency but also from the Regina Police Service.

“Remember, no matter how urgent the story or authoritative the caller, it’s your personal information and you do not need to share it over the phone,” the release said. “If the caller claims to be from a business you trust, call the business back on a number you know is correct. DO NOT use a call-back number that the caller has provided.”

Police are reminding people never to share personal information over the phone.