VANCOUVER Police are warning the public to be cautious of an ongoing scam involving fake bank employees and fake police officers working together.

In these cases, a victim gets a call from someone claiming to be from their bank, saying there’s suspicious activity on their account. The caller asks for the victim’s help with an “investigation,” sometimes mentioning a bank employee.

While still on the call, the victim receives a second call that appears to come from the Vancouver Police Department. The victim switches over, and the caller claims to be a police officer investigating the same issue. The “officer” tells the victim to keep cooperating with the bank and says they’ll follow up later.

The victim then goes back to the “bank” caller, who says money has been deposited into their account. They instruct the victim to go to a bitcoin ATM, buy bitcoin for that same amount, and send it to them.

Days later, they contact police for a follow up and realize they have been scammed.

In total, victims have lost approximately $10,000.

“We want to remind people that no police officer will never recommend you send money or bitcoin to someone you don’t know,” says Constable Megan Lui. “A bank will not ask you to help them with an investigation, and they will never ask you to send bitcoin. If you receive a call like this, please hang up and contact your bank directly.”

If you believe you have been victim to this scam, or you know someone who has, please call the VPD non-emergency line at 604-717-3321 to make a report.