The North Vancouver RCMP has warned the public about a concerning trend in their community–the broken phone scam. According to a press release by North Vancouver RCMP, three people have fallen victim to this fraudulent scheme and lost $8,768.
Fraudsters send text messages pretending to be the victim’s daughter, claiming their phone is either lost or damaged and requesting funds for repairs or payment of a bill. The suspects provide an email account for money transfers and often use alternate phone numbers to communicate with the victims. This variation of emergency scams preys on people’s love for their family members and their willingness to help in times of need.
Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP, urges residents to exercise caution when receiving suspicious messages and verify the source before taking action. He also advises against sharing personal information online as scammers can easily access it through social media.
“Always be suspicious of calls or messages requiring immediate action and money for a distressed family member. Be careful what you post online, as scammers can easily get information about you on social media. Trust your instincts. Remember, if it feels wrong, it probably is a scam,” he said.
If this fraud has targeted you, do not hesitate to report it to the authorities and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for assistance at 1-888-495-8501
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