Immigration officers don't ask for bitcoin, iTunes cards or money, police warn

Newcomers living in southwestern Ontario are being warned about a scam in whichthe caller demands everything from digital currency to prepaid gift cards, all while threatening an arrest or deportation.

London police say they've learned callers are claiming to be an employee of Immigration Canada, convincing victims to share personal and financial information.

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"For the most part, these individuals are trying to defraud people of their money. And we're seeing a number of people fall victim to this," Const. Sandasha Bough said.

Victims have told police the caller can become aggressive in their efforts to convince the person to comply.

Adding to the trickery, software is being used to alter call display numbers to match that of Immigration Canada or other services providers.

"This is a reminder to never provide personal information to somebody you don't know," Bough said.

Immigration Canada will never request the following:

• Bitcoin.
• iTunes cards.
• Steam (gaming) cards.
• Prepaid credit card & gift cards.
• Any kind of money transfer including Western Union and Money gram.