RCMP seek public assistance in bail scam investigation

North Vancouver RCMP is requesting assistance from the public in an effort to further their investigation of a bail scam that took place on September 8, 2022.

An elderly woman was defrauded after being contacted by a suspect who told her a loved one was in jail and needed to be bailed out. A short time later, a woman came to the victim’s home and collected a large sum of money.

In an effort to further the investigation, RCMP are releasing CCTV images of a suspect in the investigation and asking anyone who may recognize the person, to contact North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file #22-22813.

RCMP have issued previous warnings about the bail scam and are renewing their appeal to the public to be wary, and to help protect friends and family members who may be targeted.

The best offence is a good defence, said Cst. Mansoor Sahak of North Vancouver RCMP. Share these tips with anyone who may be vulnerable, particularly our elderly community who are often targeted by these fraud artists.
How to protect yourself:

• Report the scam call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or call them toll-free at 1-888-495-8501.
• Be careful about posting personal details and names of family members on social media platforms.
• Privatize your social media accounts and protect your personal information.
• Change your online passwords to be difficult and all different from each other.
• Be careful with caller ID numbers that look familiar. Scammers use technology to disguise the actual number they are calling from to make it appear as a trusted phone number.