Police ‘spoof’ callers target Abbotsford

Abbotsford residents are the latest victims of a telephone fraud in which the caller “spoofs” the police department’s phone number and claims to be an officer in order to gather information.

Last week, Vancouver police said they received reports of suspected fraudsters phoning residents seeking personal information. The culprit or culprits managed to “spoof” the department’s non-emergency line on Caller ID so their intended victims really believed it was a police officer.

Montague said the caller was described in all incidents as unprofessional and having a South Asian accent.

Vancouver police said they believed the “spoofed” phone number may originate from a call centre in central India.

On Tuesday, Abbotsford police said they received four complaints Monday describing a similar telephone fraud in which the male caller purported to be a member of the Abbotsford police department, this time to resolve historic immigration issues relating to a family or members of the family receiving the call.

They said the suspect attempted to gain personal information and suggested a lack of co-operation would result in deportation.

Police believe the fraudster will use personal information to obtain funds via credit card or wire transfers from the victims.

The calls appeared to target members of the South Asian community, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbotsford police at 604-859-5225 or text the department at 222973 (abbypd).