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Latest phone scam tricks Vancouver seniors out of $3.1 million

Police caution the public about using a landline phone
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A phone scam is duping Vancouver seniors out of millions of dollars. (File)

Vancouver police are warning the public about another phone scam bilking seniors out of millions of dollars.

Elderly citizens were tricked out of $3.1 million in five different cases, according to a new release on Wednesday.

The fraudsters called from a landline and pretended to be an employee of a jewelry story or a police officer. He would then convince them their credit card had been fraudulently used for a large purchase or that the police needed their help with a fraud investigation.

The fraudster then told them to hang up and call their bank or 9-1-1. The victims would hang up, then pick up the phone again, but the suspects never disconnected. Police believe they played a recording of a dial tone before answering what the victim thought was a new phone call.

READ MORE: Cat-phishing tops list of Better Business Bureau’s 10 scams of 2018

“Awareness is the key to preventing phone scams like this one. When you use a hardline phone, anytime you hang up, there is an opportunity for someone to still be connected with you on the other line,” said VPD Sgt. Jason Robillard. “Consider using a cell phone or make sure you are disconnected after you hang up.”

In two of the five cases, officers were able to recover $2.5 million of stolen money. Police believe more victims may be out there and ask them to call Vancouver police at 604-717-0503.



joti.grewal@bpdigital.ca

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