Police warning of scammers posing as Calgary officers to steal thousands of dollars

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CALGARY - Police are warning about scammers who are claiming to be Calgary officers while stealing thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency schemes.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/07/2023 (976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CALGARY – Police are warning about scammers who are claiming to be Calgary officers while stealing thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency schemes.

Police say that over the past several weeks, they have become aware of cases involving scammers claiming to be Calgary officers to convince people they owe thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Investigators say that in most cases the scammers claimed to be a family member who has been arrested and someone impersonating an officer demands money for lawyer fees in the form of bitcoin.

Police vehicles at Calgary Police Service headquarters in Calgary on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Police are warning about scammers who are claiming to be Calgary officers while stealing thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency schemes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Police vehicles at Calgary Police Service headquarters in Calgary on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Police are warning about scammers who are claiming to be Calgary officers while stealing thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency schemes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

They say in some cases the scammers even spoof the phone numbers to friends or family members to make the situation appear legitimate.

Other reports include scammers posing as officers who are trying to help victims recover lost funds through a third-party agency in exchange for “an exorbitant fee.”

Calgary police say people can verify an officer’s identity by requesting to see a badge, as well as a badge number and a photo ID card.

People can also call the police non-emergency number to verify an officer’s identity.

“Scammers often use high-pressure and fear-based tactics in order to receive payment quickly,” Calgary police said in a news release Wednesday.

“Do not feel pressured to provide money to strangers and take the time to talk to trusted friends and family to verify the legitimacy of the situation.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 5, 2023.

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