The most common scams in Metro Vancouver to spot and avoid

The task of keeping you and your money safe can be a tricky one, especially with scam warnings becoming a regular occurrence in Vancouver.

“There are many types of fraud, with new ones invented regularly, said the Vancouver Police Department on its Fraud Prevention page. “Remaining cautious and aware is your best defense.”

Several Vancouver scams have circulated for years, defrauding locals of their money, time, and sense of security. Other types of fraud are newer, using the latest advances in technology to target their victims.

To help you and your loved ones stay safe, here are the most common scams in Metro Vancouver to look out for.

Bank impersonators

Vancouver police recently warned the public to stay vigilant as reports of sophisticated financial scams involving fraudsters impersonating bank investigators have seen a sharp rise.

VPD shared details of three major incidents this year with combined losses totalling over $685,000 in cash and high-value assets like gold bars.

The first victim received a call from a man who claimed to be from Scotiabank. The caller ID was blocked.

Personal banking information was disclosed, resulting in several unauthorized ATM withdrawals and a gas station transaction, and the victim was locked out of her account.

Officers were also called to help an 83-year-old victim with early signs of dementia. The victim was defrauded of $17,000 at her West End residence, and she had no recollection of giving her card and PIN to an unknown suspect.

The third victim was scammed by suspects posing as RBC fraud investigators. Police believe that the fraud, which resulted in a $65,000 cash loss and gold bars valued at around $600,000, is part of a “highly organized crime group” possibly operating from Eastern Canada.

“Investigators believe these scams are part of a wider, well-coordinated operation using high-pressure tactics and sophisticated deception to manipulate victims,” added Constable Visintin. “No legitimate financial institution will ever ask for your PIN, full account number, or instruct you to transfer or surrender funds under threat.”

Job scams

Over 2,300 Canadians who reported falling victim to job and employment scams lost over $49 million in 2024, and the situation is only getting worse.

Jeff Horncastle, client and communications outreach officer at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), told Daily Hive that the actual numbers are likely higher.

“Fraud is significantly underreported in Canada, with conservative estimates putting reporting to the CAFC at only five to 10 per cent of incidents,” he said. “There are many reasons for under-reporting to the CAFC, including victims not knowing where and what to report, and victims being too ashamed or embarrassed to report.”

In the past, Daily Hive reported on a detailed employment scam that targeted a Vancouver tech company’s applicants.

Potential applicants would see the job posting on Indeed, which was a copy of a legitimate ad posted a month prior. Applicants would then apply, have an interview, and receive an offer letter.

They would also be sent a shopping list of specific equipment to purchase for their role. The recruiter would also send the applicant a form to fill out their banking details, with the assurance that they would be reimbursed immediately.

Rental scams

Richmond RCMP is warning renters to watch out for Metro Vancouver rental scams that have caused renters to lose thousands of dollars this summer.

They are seeing a spike in rental scams this summer, with at least five people losing between $400 and $2,600 since July.

Police say the victims often responded to fake rental ads posted on social media.

In each case, the would-be renter found a listing online and was asked to send money by e-transfer to secure the unit.

After paying up, they quickly learned the home wasn’t actually available for rent.

“It’s no secret the rental market is tough right now, especially this time of year,” said Corporal Denise Kam with Richmond RCMP’s Economic Crime Unit.

A woman, who chose to remain anonymous out of fear for her safety, contacted Daily Hive to raise awareness of the same issue in 2024, claiming that she was “stuck dealing with Craigslist and many scams.”

In some scams she’s dealt with, she believes that some “landlords” have used different people’s identities to try to appear more legitimate. Another subscribed her to Pornhub in the middle of the night.

How do you know if that listing is a rental scam? We compiled a list of the things to avoid when looking for your perfect (or close to) home.

Police impersonators

Several Metro Vancouver police departments have issued warnings to the public about fraudsters impersonating police to try to take advantage of victims.

Last spring, the New Westminster Police Department said it believes multiple people were posing as police officers when they spoke to a senior citizen at her home and “manipulated her into handing over several credit and debit cards which were later used to make fraudulent purchases.”

VPD and the West Vancouver Police Department also alerted the public in the past about scammers using spoofing to display the departments’ respective non-emergency numbers and pretend to be police officers.

“We ask that if you receive a call like this, you hang up immediately and spread the word to friends and family,” said VPD Sgt. Aaron Roed.

“The police will never call you from the non-emergency number and will never solicit payment.”

Last fall, Coquitlam RCMP warned the public about an ongoing scam which “can appear convincing.”

“Perpetrators have contacted the victims directly and provided open-source personal information to further perpetuate the scam,” said Media Relations Officer Corporal Alexa Hodgins. “We want to remind the public to remain cognizant of these types of scams and to report incidents to the police immediately.”

Mounties explained that perpetrators are claiming to have compromising pictures, videos, and personal information of victims.

“They direct the victims to send money to a Bitcoin wallet or risk having the personal information and photographs sent to their friends and family,” the RCMP said in a statement.

“To further perpetuate the scam, the perpetrators provide a photograph of the victim’s house, which can be easily located through open-internet queries, as proof that they possess the personal details of the victim.”

Parking scams

Vancouver residents who received a text scam message about an overdue parking ticket are being warned to avoid clicking any links inside it.

The City of Vancouver posted an alert last month about text messages requesting payment for overdue parking tickets.

According to the City, it would not notify people of fines through texting, emailing, or social media.

“These text messages are not from us,” said the City on its Parking in Vancouver website page. “Do not click the link or provide payment details. Report these messages to your cellphone provider and then delete them.”

Several Vancouver residents, including those without vehicles, have shared that they have received the parking ticket scam text messages.

B.C. RCMP also has a simple but important reminder listed on its frauds and scams page.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Are there any scams happening in Metro Vancouver that you feel others need to be aware of? Let us know in the comments.

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