West Vancouver police is warning the citizens about coronavirus scamsters who could target the vulnerable in the community.
“As tension surrounding COVID-19 spreads, it is likely these same fraudsters are developing health-related scams to attempt to relieve you of your hard earned cash,” WVPD said.
While West Vancouver Police have not yet had any reports of this nature, WVPD is asking the public to be cautious.
These scams could take many forms, such as asking for money to get a loved one out of quarantine, impersonating health officials and asking for personal information, and asking for donations for those affected.
WVPD is suggesting citizens take precautions to protect themselves. Here are some tips from the police.
Don’t be afraid to say no
Don’t be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics. If a telemarketer tries to get you to buy something or to send them money right away:
- Request the information in writing
- Hang up
- Do your research
Always verify that the organization you’re dealing with is legitimate before you take any other action:
- Verify Canadian charities with the Canada Revenue Agency
- Verify collection agencies with the appropriate provincial agency
- Look online for contact information for the company that supposedly called you, and call them to confirm
If you’ve received a call or other contact from a family member in trouble, talk to other family members to confirm the situation.
Watch out for fake or deceptive ads, or spoofed emails. Always verify the company and its services are real before you contact them.
Don’t give out personal information
Beware of unsolicited calls where the caller asks you for personal information, such as:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your birthdate
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Your credit card or banking information
If you didn’t initiate the call, you don’t know who you’re talking to.
Beware of upfront fees
Many scams request you to pay fees in advance of receiving goods, services, or a prize. It’s illegal for a company to ask you to pay a fee upfront before they’ll give you a loan.
If anyone falls victim to any type of scam, where money was lost, they are asked to contact the West Vancouver Police at 604-925-7300.
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