Warning issued about phone scammers posing as police officers

Man holding smartphone. Scam Alert

Windsor police are warning the public about telephone scammers posing as officers in hopes of obtaining money and personal information.

Police say this is what you need to know:

• Scammers use caller ID spoofing to pretend their call is coming from Windsor Police.

• Scammers ask victims to call them back, and use pressure and intimidation to obtain money and personal information.

How to respond:

• Stay calm. Don’t fall prey to fear tactics or intimidation.

• Never send money or share personal information over the phone. Police will never demand payment or sensitive details in this way.

• Verify the caller. Hang up and contact the Windsor Police non-emergency line (519-258-6111) to verify the call’s authenticity.

• Report the call. If you suspect a scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501