French Police Warn Officers of Rising Phone Spoofing Scams

The note adds that the fraudsters have a thorough command of the institution's language and procedures, and "do not hesitate to stage genuine performances". In the example given to officers, a policeman receives a call apparently from the nearby gendarmerie. The number is genuine, but it has been spoofed, and the caller is an impostor. Once trust is established, he can ask for details from a police database, and may invent a technical fault on the station's terminal if challenged.

Internal documents say the technique can be used to mock or deceive officers. Scammers may post recorded conversations online, or try to have the immobilisation of a vehicle banned from the road after an offence lifted.

The counter-call defence

Officers are reminded to use internal channels such as the radio first, and to always check both the validity of a request and the identity of the person making it.

They are also advised to use a "counter-call", a safeguard that applies equally to the public. A scammer who spoofs a number cannot receive calls placed to it. So if you suspect spoofing, hang up and dial the number back: you will reach the real person or organisation. The one caveat is very short calls, which could be a "ping call", so you should not call back in that case.