It’s known as the broken phone scam, and police in B.C. are advising residents to be cautious and not fall for it.
Similar to other scams, this one is a variation of an emergency scam, where money is urgently requested.
In this situation, victims typically get a text message from a supposed relative claiming they dropped or damaged their phone and need money for a new one.
“The suspect will give an alternative phone number to send a text message,” said police. “The suspect will then ask for funds to pay for repairs or to help pay a bill.”
In North Vancouver, RCMP stated they’ve had three reports from scammed victims. Overall, the losses amounted to $8,768.
“In these cases, the victims received a text message from an unknown number pretending to be their daughter,” said police. “If possible, call another family member to verify the source of the text.”
RCMP advised being wary of immediate demands for money, and added “trust your instincts. Remember, if it feels wrong, it probably is a scam.”
Police also cautioned about the ongoing gift-card scam, and how some residents have been robbed of tens of thousands of dollars.
The gift-card scam involves a thief claiming to be from the victim’s financial institution, and that their account has been compromised.
To resolve the situation, the scammer suggests it can be fixed by sending prepaid gift cards.
“Once the victim complies, they’re asked for the 10-digit codes on the back of the cards, which the scammer can then use,” said police. “The RCMP wants to remind residents that legitimate companies will never ask you to settle a debt or pay a bill through the purchase of gift cards. If you, or someone you know, are contacted by a person asking for money, you’re encouraged to simply hang up and report it to your local RCMP.”
Police mentioned that scammers will try endless creative methods to access your money.
Sunshine Coast RCMP mentioned a local resident lost $72,000 after providing banking details to a fraudulent company.
From that same area, police said a Halfmoon Bay resident received a call claiming they had won $25 million and a new car, but just needed to pay the taxes.
The resident sent a $500 Visa gift card and also sent a cheque for $50,000 to the fraudsters.
A Gibsons resident lost $3,000 to a Bitcoin scam.
A Sechelt resident received letters and phone calls stating they had won the ‘Canadian sweepstakes draw.’
The resident sent out cheques, thinking the money was for the IRA and CRA to cover taxes for the $750,000 prize.
“The victims have lost close to $500,000,” reported police.
If you have been victimized by fraud, report it to police and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
