Police are warning travellers to be aware of fake cops after a number of Asian tourists have been duped out of their money.
Over the past couple of days, six incidents have been reported to police where two men identified themselves as police officers and showed tourists fake badges. The criminals, posing as police officers, demanded to see their wallets and passports. After a few minutes, the passports and wallets were returned to the victims, but their money was missing.
All of the incidents have taken place in the waterfront area of downtown Vancouver.
Anyone who has information about these thefts is asked to call 9-1-1.
*UPDATE*
The criminals posing as police officers are described as three men in their 40’s. Two are Causasian and one is Asian.
The Asian man possibly speaks Cantonese and Japanese. He is identifying a potential target, and then he plays along as the victim.
Tips to Identify Police
- police officers are to show their photo police identification on request
- if in doubt as to the officer’s identity, you may call 9-1-1 where the operator can validate the officer’s status
