Scammers claiming to be police using 'anti-bullying' charity as ruse

Halton Regional Police badge. (file photo)

A group of scammers are claiming to be police officers in calls to victims seeking donations for an anti-bullying campaign, investigators say.

According to Halton Regional Police, the callers say they are members of the Halton police service before asking for donations ranging from $1 to $2,000.

Unsuspecting victims are then asked to provide a credit card number to complete their donation.

In a statement released Wednesday, Halton Regional Police wrote that their officers do not solicit the public for monetary donations of any kind, nor do they endorse collection of donations related to one specific campaign or charity.

They also warn that providing personal, credit card, or banking information to unknown sources can expose you to potential identity theft and financial loss.

Anyone with information on this specific scam is asked to contact Halton police fraud investigators at 905-825-4747, ext. 8739, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Tips can also be left online or by texting "Tip201" and a message to 275637 (CRIMES).