Richmond RCMP warns of bank card scam
Posted January 22, 2025 2:26 pm.
The Richmond RCMP is warning the public about rising reports of a scam involving stolen bank cards.
In the alleged scheme, victims receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank’s fraud department. The caller says the victim’s card has been compromised and offers to send someone to pick it up. The fraudster then goes to the their house to get the bank card and later transfers funds from the victim’s accounts.
Officers are investigating three new reports of the scam since the RCMP’s initial warning was issued in December.
The Richmond RCMP says it suspects the scammers are targeting the elderly, whose home addresses and phone numbers are more likely to be listed together in public directories.
“This scam is especially concerning because it involves direct, in-person contact, which makes it look more legitimate,” said Corp. Denise Kam.
Police are reminding the public that replacement cards are never hand-delivered to your home. They are either mailed or sent to a local branch for pickup.
Mounties also recommend the following tips to protect yourself from scammers.
- Be wary of unsolicited calls, especially those requesting personal or financial information.
- If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank, ask for their internal reference or file number and call back using the number on your financial documents or their official website.
- Remove personal information from public platforms, such as social media and phone directories, that criminals may exploit.
- Never share your bank or credit card PIN with anyone.
- If you suspect your card has been compromised, contact your bank directly using the phone number listed on your card.
- Do not hand over your bank cards to anyone. Safely dispose of expired or compromised cards yourself.
If you believe someone is the victim of fraud, you’re asked to report the incident to your local police.
