Police in Mississauga and Brampton say their phone lines are being tied up with reports of someone impersonating an officer by “spoofing” a phone number.

Peel Regional Police said on Tuesday that call takers “are getting flooded” with reports of someone impersonating, or spoofing, the police non-emergency line.

Spoofing is when someone uses technology to fake the telephone number they are calling from, and police say the caller has been identifying themselves as a Peel police officer “to ask an individual about personal information about an investigation” in the recent incidents.

Police say anyone who has received a suspicious call can contact investigators or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

“But our call takers are getting flooded with calls that are tying up their phone lines,” police said in a release. “So please, just be mindful about what information you are sharing over the phone.”

Peel police said there has been “a high volume” of reports, but didn’t disclose how many have been received.

In Toronto, police have warned about spoofing scammers giving victims a false name and badge number while claiming to be investigating “fraudulent activity” while urging victims “to contact the Chinese authorities.”

Anyone with information about this incident can contact Peel Regional Police by calling 905-453-3311. You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

Peel Regional Police is receiving a high volume of reports about scam callers impersonating officers and using spoofed numbers, including our main line 905‑453‑3311.

These callers may request personal information or claim you’re involved in an investigation.

If you receive a… pic.twitter.com/Olh0rHJ23j

— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) May 12, 2026


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