New Dedicated Number To Combat Impersonation Scams

Law enforcement agencies are introducing a specific phone number to protect citizens from fraudulent calls. Starting November 2, all outgoing calls from the force will originate from 6000-0999.

Verification Through Messaging

Every call will be accompanied by a text message from a government ID. This message provides the name of the officer and instructions for further contact. Even if a call is missed, the notification will still be sent to ensure the recipient can verify the identity of the caller.

Combatting Fraudulent Activity

The move comes as a response to rising financial losses from impersonation schemes. Between January and September 2026, over 3,200 cases of government impersonation were reported, resulting in losses exceeding 142 million dollars. A significant portion of these scams involved individuals posing as law enforcement officers.

Technical Safeguards And Reporting

The new number is strictly for outgoing communication and cannot receive incoming calls. To prevent spoofing, authorities have implemented measures to block international numbers attempting to mimic the local ID. Additionally, messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram must prevent the misuse of this number or face heavy fines. Citizens who receive suspicious calls via messaging apps should report them to the ScamShield helpline.

Future Government Integration

Other public agencies are expected to adopt similar numbering systems. The goal is to create a recognizable pattern, such as numbers starting with 6000, so the public can easily distinguish official government outreach from scams. Future updates will include caller names to further enhance verification.