The Calgary Police Department is warning the public about a cryptocurrency scam involving scammers posing as policemen.
The Calgary Police Service announced Wednesday morning (05 July) that it had been aware of situations in which would-be scammers pretended to be “Calgary police officers,” seeking to convince individuals that they owed thousands in legal fees and requesting payment in Bitcoin.
“In most cases, scammers pretend to be a family member who has been arrested, and the phony officer demands money for lawyer fees, sometimes even spoofing loved ones’ phone numbers to make the situation appear legitimate,” the CPS stated in a release.
“Other reports include scammers posing as officers who are allegedly trying to help victims recover lost funds through a third-party ‘cyber agency,’ in exchange for an exorbitant fee.”
Citizens are reminded that they can verify an officer’s identity by asking to view their police badge and photo identification card, or by asking for their badge number. An officer’s identity can be confirmed by calling the CPS non-emergency line.
