Scams targeting Chinese community in Vancouver result in millions lost, police say
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Digital Subscription
One year of digital access for only $205*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/08/2024 (761 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
VANCOUVER – Police in Vancouver are warning about three scams that are targeting the Chinese community after victims reported losing nearly $6 million this year.
They are investigating 26 files since Jan. 1, but investigators believe there are more victims who haven’t come forward.
Police say the first fraud involves the victim getting a call from someone impersonating a Chinese police officer who tricks them into sending money to Hong Kong banks, saying they are in trouble because their phone and identity have been used to commit crimes.
The second scam happens when the victim is approached by a group of strangers, who tells them bad luck or ill health will happen to them or their loved ones unless they give them cash or jewelry.
The third cheat involves job advertisement posters written in Chinese that offer up to $300 per day to make artwork, but when the victim calls for more details, they are tricked into romance or investment scams.
Police say they are working to identify suspects, and are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by the scams to come forward.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 9, 2024.