$15K lost to police impersonation scams in Vancouver, officers say

The Vancouver Police Department headquarters is seen in a CTV file image.

The Vancouver Police Department is warning residents of a scam wherein fraudsters pose as officers to steal their money.

Investigators have received five reports of this type of scam since June and victims have lost about $15,000 to it, according to police.

“Vulnerable and unsuspecting people in our community are being tricked into sending thousands of dollars to people they’ve never met,” Const. Tania Visintin said, in a news release issued Friday. “By the time they realize they’ve been scammed, the fraudsters have disappeared, and their money is gone.”

Police say the suspects call their victims on the phone, identify themselves as a VPD officer, and tell them their bank cards have been compromised. They then say someone will come to their home to collect the card.

After giving over their bank cards, the victims realize that money has been withdrawn from their account.

“We want to remind everyone that no police officer or financial institution will ever send a courier or representative to your home to collect a bank card,” Visintin continued. “If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately. If you’re concerned about your account, contact your bank directly.”

The VPD asked anyone who has been victimized by a police impersonation scam to call the real department at 604-717-3321 and make a report.