HPS warns about new scam involving fake police calls

Hamilton police are warning residents of a possible telephone scam where suspects are pretending to be the police and even have a call display.

The warning comes during Canada’s Fraud Prevention Month, and is another reminder not to let your guard down and that scammers are looking to get your personal information and money.

On Monday morning, police tweeted about the scam, alerting residents about incidents of fake calls that look like they are coming from police.

The Hamilton Police Service said in the tweet they are investigating incidents and are telling people that police will never ask to take your money and if you receive a call where someone is asking for money and saying they are with the police, to just hang up and report the call to police.

Recent Hamilton Spectator stories on fraud alerts have included a COVID contact-tracing scam in early January, a warning that isolated seniors are especially at risk of becoming victims of scams and frauds during the pandemic, and a bitcoin scam.

More recently, OPP warned the public mid-March after a Norfolk County senior lost $27,500 to a lottery scam.

If you are a victim of a fraud, contact Hamilton police non-emergency line at 905-546-4925.