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Richmond RCMP Economic Crime Unit is warning the public of a new fraud scam where a victim was instructed by the fraudster to purchase gold.
Photo by Jaana Björk
Public warning as new fraud emerges in Richmond
Published 11:33 PST, Tue February 11, 2025
Last Updated: 11:35 PST, Tue February 11, 2025
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Richmond RCMP Economic Crime Unit is warning the public about a new fraud in Richmond.
On Jan. 14, 2025 Richmond RCMP received a report of a scam where the victim was allegedly instructed by the fraudster to purchase gold. According to the victim she received a warning on her computer requesting she call a 1-888 phone number.
When she called it, she was advised there was pornography on her device and her accounts had been compromised. The victim later received a callback instructing her to purchase gold from a business in Richmond.
Fortunately, before providing the gold as payment, she spoke with staff at her local bank who assisted her in realizing it was a scam.
The victim reported this incident to police as she feared the fraudsters have access to her personal information.
“This is the first reported incident of this type of fraud we’ve received in Richmond, however, we are aware of an investigation on Vancouver Island involving this modus operandi which is why we are issuing this public warning”, says Corporal Michael Ber, Richmond RCMP Economic Crime Unit, “We are working tirelessly to try and educate the public on fraud trends to help stem the tide of victimization.”
In 2024 in Richmond alone over $ 38 million was reported lost by victims to fraud. Richmond RCMP recommends regularly checking the Canada Anti-Fraud Centre website to stay up-to-date with the latest frauds and scams in Canada.
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