The VPD is receiving reports from the public about getting phone calls from individuals claiming to be police officers, who are possibly looking to gather personal information.
Over the past week, the VPD has had several complaints from residents about suspicious calls. Caller ID displays indicate the calls are originating from the VPD non-emergency line at 604-717-3321. The caller has been described in all incidents as unprofessional and having a South Asian accent. He identifies himself as a police officer and asks to speak with individuals living in the home. In some cases, the caller appears to know the names of some of the residents.
Police believe this is occurring in other jurisdictions, as well. The VPD phone number displayed on the caller ID is spoofed, and may originate from a call centre located in central India. At this time, it is not clear what type of personal information the caller is after.
“The various types of scams we see are only limited to the imagination of the fraudster,” says Constable Brian Montague. “The public are reminded to be careful of unsolicited phone calls, and that police will not call you at home to ask for personal information or money.”
The public should be cautious about giving any personal or financial information over the phone. Anyone who receives a call like this is asked to hang up. If you have been the victim of a scam or suffered a financial loss related to the calls, you are asked to report the incident to your local police department.
