Fraudsters impersonating police officers scam senior in New Westminster, NWPD says
Police in New Westminster issued a warning Thursday after they say multiple suspects impersonating police officers defrauded a senior.
The New Westminster Police Department said the suspects spoke to the senior at her home and talked her into handing over several credit and debit cards, which were later used to make fraudulent purchases.
"This is deplorable criminal activity, targeting vulnerable people who badly need their hard-earned savings and pension income, by exploiting their trust of the police," Sgt. Andrew Leaver said in a news release. "I’d like to speak to these criminals directly; you should turn yourself in today."
The investigation is still in the early stages, and police are currently in the process of conducting interviews, as well as sourcing CCTV images of the suspects.
Police are asking the public to be vigilant and speak to friends and family members about this scam.
"The New Westminster Police Department would like to remind residents that before they open their front door to someone who is claiming to be a police officer, they can confirm the legitimacy of that claim by calling 911. Call takers will let you know if police officers have been sent to your location."
In an interview with CTV News, Leaver said people shouldn't be afraid to ask police officers for their name and badge number.
"If the person answering the questions is becoming evasive and doesn't want to give information to legitimize their presence, that right there is a red flag," he said.
"As the police, we know that we wear different uniforms even city to city… so it can be confusing for the public. We have units that wear business attire, we have units that wear street clothes."
"There's people out there taking advantage of the fact that people trust the police," he added. "So we'd love people to know that it's OK to ask those questions, and to question who it is they're talking to."
Anyone with information is asked to call the NWPD at 604-525-5411 and reference file number 2024-5516.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
Pope apologizes after using 'homophobic terms'
Pope Francis apologized Tuesday after he was quoted using a vulgar term about gay men to reaffirm the Catholic Church's ban on gay priests.
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
Spy watchdog's foreign interference review finds 'unacceptable gaps' in accountability
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Public Safety Canada lacked a system for tracking who received and read specific intelligence on foreign interference, creating 'unacceptable gaps in accountability,' the national spy watchdog has found.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m.
Man convicted in attack on Pelosi's husband back in court after judge's error
A man who assaulted U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband in 2022 will have another day in court on Tuesday after the federal judge overseeing the case failed to allow him to speak during his sentencing hearing earlier this month.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
WATCH Airline pilot treated to stunning northern lights show during U.S.-Portugal flight
An airline pilot got quite a show on May 11 while flying from San Francisco to Lisbon when a solar storm caused stunning auroras.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.