Scammers are using the West Vancouver Police Department’s non-emergency phone line to trick residents into giving up personal information, according to a public advisory issued by West Vancouver police.
The callers pretend to be WVPD officers, provide fake names and badge numbers, and ask for sensitive information. Police say this puts people at risk of financial loss and identity theft.
“WVPD will never ask for bail money, bitcoin, gift cards, or money transfers, and we will not ask you to download apps on your phone,” the department said in a release. Police are urging residents not to provide any information if they receive a suspicious call. Instead, hang up immediately and avoid calling the spoofed number back, as this clogs the department’s phone lines.
Anyone targeted is asked to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or at 1-888-495-8501. Victims can also file a report at westvanpolice.ca. Those with additional information about online scams can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
