Chinese-language phone scam targeting North Vancouver, say police

Got a random call from “Chinese officials” lately? You’re not alone.

North Vancouver police are warning the public about a new Chinese-language phone scam, aimed at getting you to reveal your personal information.

According to a release from Cpl. Richard De Jong, a Chinese woman living in North Vancouver got a call from someone claiming to be a police officer in China on Tuesday.

The woman gave the caller her passport number and date of birth, before she got suspicious when asked for personal banking information, said De Jong.

“The victim now believes the caller was not a Chinese government official but did use language typical of someone working within the Chinese government,” he said.

Police say the scam is similar to the ‘virtual kidnapping’ scheme, where Chinese people living in BC are tricked into believing their loved ones in China have been kidnapped.

“Police strongly recommend that anyone receiving such a message or phone call not comply with the demands,” added De Jong.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Consulate advises overseas Chinese citizens involved in legal cases in China that they will be mailed legal information, and no phone call would be made.

Anyone in the North Vancouver area who may have fallen a victim of such a scheme is urged to call the RCMP at 604-985-1311 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text BCTIP to CRIMES (274637) or go to solvecrime.ca.