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Be on guard against phone scammers: Coquitlam RCMP

According to Statistics Canada, fraud is the most common crime in the country and also the least likely to be reported
Mario Bartel
Mario Bartel
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Seniors are a favoured target of phone scammers, says Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson, Corp. Alexa Hodgins.JOHSUA HOEHNE/UNSPLASH

Coquitlam RCMP is cautioning local seniors and their caregivers to be vigilante about telephone scams.

Detachment spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins said such calls have been picking up recently. She said the scammers pose as a representative from a known business or government agency informing the senior or vulnerable citizen their identity has been compromised. They then bitcoin to help solve the problem.

“Legitimate companies or government agencies will never request bitcoins,” said Hodgins in a news release. “Scammers often use high pressure scare tactics to force the victim into complying with the requests.”

She said the best thing to do when receiving such a call is to hang up and call your bank directly if you think your identity may have been compromised.

Hodgins said older adults are a favoured targets of scammers because they can be unfamiliar with the latest scams. She said it’s important caregivers work with their older loved ones to ensure they’re on alert.

“Frauds and scams are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated, often through the use of technology,” Hodgins said.

Some ways to guard again falling victim to a phone scam include:

  • Never give personal information to an unsolicited caller
  • If you feel uncomfortable about a call, hang up
  • Educate yourself and loved ones about scams and frauds that are currently circulating

According to Statistics Canada, fraud is the most common crime in the country; 2.5 million people reported being victimized by scammers in 2019.

It’s also the one of the least likely crimes to be reported to police; only one in 10 victims comes forward.

Hodgins said if you feel you’ve been scammed, you should:

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