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The Maidstone RCMP received information about a telephone-based scam occurring in the area. 

The caller often identifies themselves as an officer with the Canada Revenue Agency, informing the victim that their SIN had been involved in crime.  

The scammer(s) will attempt to learn the victim's banking information and SIN. During the call, the caller(s) will also ask for the victim's local RCMP Detachment and phone number, stating an officer is going to call them very soon. 

The caller then uses a device to mimic the local police department's phone number on caller ID then has an accomplice call the victim to provide confirmation of the initial call – the second caller(s) commonly poses as a local police officer.  

The Maidstone RCMP wanted to make the public aware of this situation and to advise residents to never provide personal details over the phone without confirming the caller’s identity. 

Should anyone receive a call they are unsure of, the best way to prevent becoming a crime victim is to ask the caller their name, the agency they work for and a call back number then do some research. Check the phonebook or internet for the agency the caller claimed to work for then call the number provided.