Public Safety Alert, Telephone Scam Impersonating Toronto Police Officers

 

Public Safety Alert, 
Telephone Scam Impersonating Toronto Police Officers

Broadcast time: 04:46 PM
Date: Wednesday, Aug 09, 2023
Unit: 42 Division
Phone: 4168084200
Case #: n/a

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of a telephone scam involving the impersonation of Toronto police officers. The scam is largely occurring in Alberta and Saskatchewan. 

There have been several instances over the last few weeks where members of the public have received telephone calls from individuals who identify themselves as police officers from the Toronto Police Service (TPS).

It is reported that:

• a suspect calls a resident by telephone stating that they are a police officer
• the suspect uses the name of a real officer whose name and number is posted on the TPS website
• if questioned, the suspect tells the person they can confirm the information by visiting the TPS website
• the suspect informs the person that copies of their identification have been located during an investigation, and asks them to confirm that they are not involved
• the suspect requests a video call to see the person and confirm their identity
• the suspect requests the person provide their identification by showing government-issued ID
• it is believed the suspect is obtaining the victim's ID for fraudulent purposes

The Toronto Police Service is reminding the public that police officers will not demand your identification over a video call. A local police service would visit in person to confirm your identity and involvement in an investigation.

Police will never request cash, crypto-currency, valuables or any form of payment during an investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

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Constable Laura Brabant for Detective Chris Lupson