RCMP are issuing a warning for a new phone scam after people in Kamloops have reported getting calls saying there is a warrant out for their arrest.

Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says people are being asked to deposit Bitcoin into a specific account, or else an officer will show up to arrest them.

“What’s really alarming and surprising about this is that on the caller ID on the phone, it actually lists the phone number and name of the Kamloops RCMP,” she said. “So we’re just reminding people if you receive a phone call like this, hang up. This type of situation is handled by a police officer in person, not over the phone.”

She notes it’s not the first time the Kamloops RCMP’s number has been spoofed.

“It is a case where scammers can download an app that allows them to put in a different caller ID when they make their scam phone calls,” added Shelkie.

She says there have had a few people who’ve actually been taken advantage of.

“We just wanted to let people know about this so they can talk to their families. If somebody is new to the country, make sure that they understand that this is a situation that is a scam and that a police officer would not be coming to arrest them.”

Shelkie says anyone who received this call is asked to reach out to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, details of which can be found here.