Hamilton police say someone ‘spoofed’ their communications email

Hamilton police say someone imitated the email they use to communicate with media outlets on Tuesday, sending a fake story about a crypto currency scam.

In the false email, the suspect allegedly told media outlets that Hamilton police completed a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force.

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Officers told media outlets on Wednesday that this investigation did not happen and the email isn’t from the Hamilton Police Service.

The Government of Canada describes this behaviour as “spoofing,” which is when someone disguises harmful cyber activity or communication as being from a trusted source.

The origins of the fake email are still being investigated and police ask anyone with information to contact them at 905-546-4793.

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