Vancouver – The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is advising the public not to disclose banking information after a staff member at a downtown organization was defrauded of $34,000 after receiving a phone call from someone posing as a bank representative.
The caller, who used a spoofed phone number, appeared to have detailed information about the victim’s banking accounts. During a call that lasted more than an hour, the suspect convinced the victim to provide information that allowed access to two bank accounts.
The victim later discovered that the accounts had been drained of approximately $18,000 and $16,000, for a total loss of $34,000. The incident was reported to police.
The VPD is reminding the public to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls from anyone claiming to represent a financial institution. Never provide personal or banking information over the phone unless you have independently verified the caller’s identity.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your bank directly using the phone number listed on your bank card or the bank’s official website.
