The Richmond RCMP is reminding the public to be aware of telephone scammers after a recent incident in Richmond that involved someone posing as a police officer.
These alleged fraudsters can and do change tactics to trick people into giving them money. This includes posing as government officials, such as police officers. In a recent Richmond file, the victim reported receiving a call from a male alleging to be a police officer. During the conversation, the male even provided a fake name and badge number.
Whether it’s through pressure, for example insinuating the potential victim is in trouble or playing to their sympathy by pretending to be a family member or friend in need of money, the end goal is the same; the fraudster wants money.
These fraudsters are clever and are good at adapting and changing their approach, says Corporal Adriana Peralta, Recently a family member of one of our officers would have fallen prey had it not been for an astute employee at a local business.
In regards to payment, the fraudsters often ask for payment in the form of gift cards or bitcoin. The Richmond RCMP want to remind the public that no government agency, including the police, call asking for, or demanding money.
To protect yourself, the Richmond RCMP advises to just ignore the call or hang-up. For more tips and information regarding current scams and how to protect yourself visit the The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) website.
To report a suspected fraud, contact your local police of jurisdiction.