Urgent Warning: Fraudsters Spoofing Surrey RCMP Non-Emergency Line – Protect Yourself Now!

Surrey, BC – An alarming and sophisticated scam is once again making rounds in Surrey, prompting an urgent warning from the Surrey RCMP. Fraudsters are now spoofing the detachment's non-emergency phone number, making their calls appear legitimate on caller ID and preying on the trust and fear of unsuspecting residents.

The scam involves criminals using technology to manipulate caller ID, making it seem as though calls are originating from the Surrey RCMP’s official non-emergency line (604-599-0502).

Once victims answer, the scammers employ various high-pressure tactics and false pretenses to extort money or sensitive personal information.

Common scenarios involve fraudsters claiming the victim has an outstanding warrant for their arrest, is implicated in money laundering activities, or has other serious legal issues that require immediate resolution.

They often demand payment in untraceable forms, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, threatening dire consequences if their demands are not met promptly.

Surrey RCMP is unequivocal in its message: police will never demand money or personal information over the phone. Any call making such demands, especially if threatening immediate arrest or legal action, should be treated with extreme suspicion.

This is a hallmark of a scam.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to this insidious fraud, the RCMP offers clear advice:

• Hang Up Immediately: If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the police and demanding money or personal information, simply hang up.

  Do not engage.

• Verify Independently: If you are concerned the call might be legitimate, do not call back the number displayed on your caller ID. Instead, look up the official Surrey RCMP non-emergency number on their official website or from a trusted source, and call it directly to inquire.
• Never Provide Information or Payment: Genuine police agencies will not request payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, nor will they ask for sensitive personal financial details over the phone for an investigation.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Share this warning with family and friends, especially vulnerable seniors who are often targeted by these scams.

This type of scam is not new, but its persistent resurgence and the fraudsters' evolving tactics, like caller ID spoofing, make it particularly dangerous.

The emotional toll and financial losses for victims can be substantial, highlighting the importance of vigilance.

If you believe you have been targeted by this scam, or if you have provided money or personal information, it is crucial to report it. Contact the Surrey RCMP at their official non-emergency number (604-599-0502) and file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.

Your report helps authorities track and combat these criminal activities.

Stay alert, stay informed, and remember: if a call from the "police" sounds too urgent, too demanding, or too good to be true, it's almost certainly a scam.