RCMP tells Ontarians to ignore callback numbers in police spoofing scams

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a new alert to Ontario residents on November 4, 2026, warning them about scammers spoofing the agency's Central Region Operational Communications Centre phone number. The force advised people to avoid calling back any specific number provided by a caller claiming to be an RCMP officer. Officials stated that individuals should not share personal information with these callers.

In a social media post, the RCMP explicitly instructed the public to ignore the number given by the impostor. The agency recommended that anyone receiving such a call or message verify the sender's identity by contacting their local detachment directly. This guidance follows previous warnings about scammers impersonating police to threaten victims with false court documents, accusations of serious crimes, or payment demands for bail.

Caller ID spoofing involves altering the number displayed on the receiver's phone screen. According to the CRTC, this technology allows users to change the visible caller information. While the practice has legitimate uses, it is frequently exploited in fraud schemes. The CRTC notes that call centre agents and doctors sometimes use spoofing to display client or hospital numbers, respectively.

Toronto cybersecurity expert Edward Kiledjian explained in a prior interview that spoofing is easy to execute with common tools. He noted that the number visible on a screen does not confirm the identity of the caller. Scammers often use this method to mimic trusted organizations such as banks, government agencies, or local police forces. This tactic helps them convince victims to answer the phone or share sensitive data.

The RCMP indicated that this deceptive tactic has been used across North America for many years. In Ontario, scammers have specifically targeted residents by displaying numbers associated with the Canada Revenue Agency, courthouses, and local police. Some telemarketers also use neighboring, a practice where they match the first six digits of the receiver's number to make the call appear local. The new warning emphasizes that the display of an official police number does not guarantee the caller's authenticity.