They may sound like the police, and your phone may show a local police number; but it is not the cops.

They are crooks.

Halton Regional Police are warning residents about a scam that is occurring in theirs, and possibly other areas of the province.

Officers said a victim receives a phone call from an unknown number and the caller claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and advises them that they owe money.

“The victim may also receive a phone call from a telephone number assigned to the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS),” officers said in a release.

“The caller will claim to be a police officer and advise the victim there is a warrant for their arrest,” detectives said. “The caller will then demand a monetary payment from the victim in the form of Bitcoin in order to avoid arrest.“

Halton police said phone calls are ‘being routed fraudulently through a Halton Regional Police phone number,” in a process known as ‘spoofing.’

Police warn the CRA, or HRPS, will never demand payment in Bitcoin, or any payment, over the phone.

Officers are asking people to safeguard themselves and their loved ones by discussing these scams and what to do when a call like this is received. If you suspect you have been contacted by a scam, hang up immediately.

Contact your local police at 22 Division, if you need help. They are available at 4160-808-2200.