West Vancouver Police Warn Residents of Ongoing Phone Scam

The West Vancouver Police Department (WVPD) has issued a warning to residents regarding an ongoing scam that exploits their non-emergency phone number. Individuals are receiving calls that appear to originate from the police department’s official number, 604-925-7300, due to caller ID spoofing techniques employed by scammers. This fraudulent activity poses significant risks to potential victims.

During these calls, the impersonators claim to be police officers, providing fake names and badge numbers to establish credibility. Victims are often coerced into downloading applications on their phones, which can compromise their personal security. Additionally, the scammers request sensitive personal information that could lead to financial or identity fraud.

Police Reiterate Official Protocols

The WVPD emphasizes that they will never initiate a call to the public from their non-emergency line. This line is designated solely for residents to report non-urgent matters. According to the WVPD, legitimate police representatives will never ask for bail money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or money transfers. They also do not request individuals to download apps for any purpose.

If a resident suspects they are being targeted by these scammers, the police advise against sharing any personal information and recommend terminating the call immediately. “Do not call the ‘spoofed’ number back to inquire about missed calls. This inundates the non-emergency police line, delaying access for those who may need assistance,” the WVPD stated.

Reporting Fraud Attempts

Residents who believe they have been targeted or victimized by this scam are encouraged to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Reports can be made either online or by calling 1-888-495-8501. If you have been a victim of this scam, you can file an online report through the WVPD website or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 for further assistance or information about this or other scams.

As scams increasingly leverage technology to deceive individuals, it is essential for residents to remain vigilant and informed about such threats. The WVPD is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community and encourages everyone to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls.