NORTH Vancouver RCMP are warning the public of a recent “broken phone scam” that is circulating in the community and has victimized three people.

Police say the broken phone scam is a variation of emergency scams. Victims receive text messages from someone claiming to be a loved one saying they have dropped or damaged their cellphone. The suspect will provide an alternate phone number to send a text message. The suspect will then ask for funds to pay for repairs or to help pay a bill.

North Vancouver RCMP have received three reports since January of this year. In all three cases, the victims were defrauded of a total of $8,768. In these cases, the victims received a text message from an unknown number pretending to be their daughter. The scammer stated their phone was either lost or broken and they would like an e-transfer to either pay for a new phone or pay off a bill. The scammer provided an email account for money to be transferred to.

“North Vancouver RCMP wants to remind residents if you receive a strange message claiming to be from a loved one, contact the person on the phone number you have in your contact list,” said Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for North Vancouver RCMP. “If possible, call another family member to verify the source of the text.”

Police say you should always be suspicious of calls or messages that require immediate action and money for a family member in distress. Be careful what you post online, as scammers can easily get information about you on social media. Trust your instincts. Remember, if it feels wrong, it probably is a scam.

If you have been victimized by this type of fraud, report it to police and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.