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The quick read: The Kelowna RCMP is warning the public that fraudsters are spoofing the detachment's legitimate non-emergency line, 250-762-3300. The caller poses as an RCMP officer — sometimes citing a fake badge number — and tells victims they are under criminal investigation, then pressures them for personal information. The detachment has fielded nearly 20 calls from would-be victims across the country. No financial losses have been reported so far.

If your phone rings and the caller ID says Kelowna RCMP, do not trust it.

Fraudsters are manipulating caller ID to make it appear they are calling from the detachment's genuine non-emergency line, 250-762-3300.

The scammers pose as RCMP officers, sometimes even giving a fake badge number, and tell the target they are being investigated for a criminal offence.

The catch comes next: they ask the victim to provide or clarify personal information.

When a wary victim pushes back, the scammer boldly invites them to search the displayed number online — where it shows up as the real RCMP detachment.

An elaborate con

In another version of the scam reported last week, the caller claims police have a person in custody who was carrying the victim's personal information, then tries to steer them into clicking a link and handing over passwords and account details.

Cpl. Allison Konsmo, who issued the warning, says the calls are reaching people across Canada, not just in the Okanagan.

It is not the first such scheme locally: a similar scam targeted the West Kelowna detachment earlier this year, with fraudsters even directing victims to join video calls while wearing police-style uniforms.

The pattern is unmistakable — criminals are weaponizing trust in law enforcement itself.

What the real RCMP will never do

The RCMP will never ask for passwords, banking details or other sensitive information over the phone.

They will never tell you to click a link to verify your accounts.

They will never ask you to transfer money or make payments as part of an investigation.

And they will never ask you to hand over financial information to 'secure' your accounts.

How to protect yourself

If you are not expecting a call, let it go to voicemail.

If someone claims to be an RCMP officer, ask for their name, the file number and the purpose of the call — then hang up and call the detachment directly on a number you trust.

Caller ID can be faked and should never be treated as proof of who is calling.

Fraud victims can report to the Kelowna RCMP non-emergency line at 250-762-3300 or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Photo credit: Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels