RCMP warning women of threatening phone calls in Lower Mainland

RCMP are warning women about a series of threatening phone calls across the Lower Mainland that are believed to be linked.

According to police, the “troubling” calls started in 2017.

At times, the man on the other end of the line “accurately identifies the woman by name and address, and claims he has been watching her through cameras he allegedly installed inside her home,” said RCMP Sgt. Janelle Shoihet in a release.

“He then demands the woman engage in sexually explicit conversation with him, or the victim –or a family member –would be killed.”

The man has been reported as speaking in a “quiet” voice.

Despite the unsettling threats, “there is no evidence at this time that the caller has actually installed the cameras,” said Shoihet. “Most calls are received on the victim’s home phone number, however, some female employees of lingerie and swimwear stores have received calls at their workplace.”

Police believe the caller is using a telephone number spoofing app, software or website which changes the caller identification number.

He appears to be gathering information about the victim through open social media sources, police added.

Police are also offering safety tips to those who receive this type of call:

• Record the caller’s telephone number
• Hang up, do not engage in conversation with the caller
• Immediately report the incident to local police
• When and wherever possible block the number
• Use an unlisted name and number

Anyone who believes they may have been the recipient of one of these calls is asked to contact police immediately.

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