VicPD is warning residents—specifically seniors—about a resurfaced credit card fraud scheme, following a report received on January 19th.
Fraudsters, posing as bank representatives, used technology to disguise their phone numbers and make them appear as a legitimate financial institution.
Over the phone, they instructed a local resident to package up their credit and debit cards and hand them over to a ride-share driver. Fortunately, a family member intervened before the cards could be transferred.
Due to the involvement of a ride-share driver, police believe this is a local operation. However, they’ve clarified that the driver was unaware of the fraudulent intent.
“We’ve seen this scam surface periodically over the last two years and highlights concerning tactic fraudsters are using,” said VicPD Staff Sergeant, Simon de Wit.
“These fraudsters are combining phone calls with someone picking up the cards directly, which makes it more likely to work. Since we’re seeing this scam happen again, we want everyone to be cautious.”
The perpetrators are likely using fake identities and prepaid payment methods, making it difficult for authorities to track them.
With this scam resurfacing, VicPD is urging the public to take extra caution.
Always verify any unsolicited calls claiming to be from your financial institution and avoid providing personal information or sending money before contacting authorities, or verifying the call by checking with your financial institution directly.
VicPD encourages residents to share this warning with vulnerable family members and neighbours.
If anyone believes they’ve been targeted by a similar fraud, contact the E-Comm non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654 ext. 1 and report it to their financial institution.
