THE Richmond RCMP Economic Crime Unit (ECU) is warning the Chinese community in Richmond following five reports involving fraudsters posing as employees from an Asian based telecom service. These five incidents have resulted in losses of over $400,000.

The first report was received on December 24, 2024. In all cases, the victims receive a call from someone posing as a representative of a legitimate Asian telecom service that provides phone, VOIP and TV services. During the course of the conversation the victim gets transferred to an alleged Chinese police officer who indicates their phone number has been used illegally and they must pay in order to avoid deportation and arrest.

“This appears to be a new version of the foreign police scam. Fraudsters will make slight changes to their tactics or approach in an attempt to lure in new victims,” says Cpl. Denise Kam, Richmond RCMP ECU.

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.