Lake Cowichan RCMP non-emergency phone line being spoofed

Lake Cowichan RCMP non-emergency phone line being spoofed
Nicholas Pescod/CHEK News

The non-emergency phone number for the Lake Cowichan RCMP is appearing to be used by another person.

According to a press release from BC RCMP, the detachment has received numerous reports that someone has called them from the non-emergency line but hangs up once someone answers, or doesn’t leave a message if no one answers.

This type of “spoofing” disguises tīhe phone number appearing on the caller ID display, tricking people into answering calls, according to police.

Lake Cowichan RCMP Sgt. Lita Watson says the fake calls are impacting the public’s ability to contact the police.

“We are hopeful that this is not a purposeful, or malicious tactic being used to flood our phone lines and tie up our resources,” said Watson. “The Lake Cowichan RCMP has launched a public mischief investigation and we are actively investigating.”

Watson says the behaviour of the phone calls doesn’t align with how police would call the public.

“We want to reassure the public that if someone from the Lake Cowichan RCMP and is trying to reach you, we would not be hang up when you answer and would leave a message asking you to return our call,” said Watson.

Police say if anyone receives a phone call from 250-749-6668 and no message is left directing a call back to not return the call and file a police report by phone or in person.

READ MORE: RCMP seek man who went on Island-wide crime spree

CHEK NewsCHEK News

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!