The Renfrew OPP is warning Ottawa Valley residents of a new type of telephone fraud.
Police say scammers are using software to change their phone number to a local one, and sometimes even your own, when calling you in Renfrew and Arnprior. The OPP says the fraudsters use caller ID spoofing to try and gain your trust before asking for cash.
You’re advised to never give out your personal information on the phone. Be cautious of prizes that scammers say you have won, if you haven’t purchased a ticket.
Police are also warning you to watch out for brand spoofing, which fraudsters use to get personal information through email by pretending to be a legitimate company.
You’re encouraged to report suspected fraud to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.