Image: RCMP / Undated photos of suspects alleged to be connected with 'numerous' so-called emergency scams in August 2024.

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Phone scam

RCMP seek suspects linked to ’emergency’ scam cases in Ridge Meadows

Dec 8, 2024 | 2:27 PM

MAPLE RIDGE – Investigators handling multiple complaints in August related to an “emergency” scam believe two young men are connected to some of the fraudulent activities.

Ridge Meadows RCMP released images of the pair, suspected to be aged between 20 and 30-years-old, who may have participated in a scheme involving fake lawyers contacting individuals and convincing them a family member is in trouble.

“In these incidents, victims were contacted by the alleged suspects by telephone, … asking to provide money to alleviate a bad circumstance of a loved one, such as being in jail or in a car accident,” RCMP Cst. Tisha Parsons explained in a statement.

#RidgeMeadowsRCMP #NewsRelease:

Do you recognize these two people?

Ridge Meadows RCMP is seeking public assistance in identifying two alleged suspects involved in a series of fraud-related incidents in August.

🔗: https://t.co/kexjPU4Foj pic.twitter.com/F5g5HT3cBm

— Ridge Meadows RCMP (@RidgeRCMP) December 6, 2024

Detectives didn’t disclose how they obtained the images but confirmed that the suspects met victims in person to collect cash.

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“This is an active and ongoing investigation and no further information is available at this time,” Parsons added.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAC) reports that emergency scams are becoming increasingly common and take various forms, including:

• Needing bail money after being arrested
• Being involved in a car accident
• Trouble returning from a foreign country

The CAC also warns of emerging variations where fraudsters contact victims via email or text, claiming to be a loved one in need of immediate assistance.

“Emergency scams prey on your fear of a loved one being hurt or in trouble. Scammers impersonate someone you know and demand money urgently,” the CAC stated.

Online versions of the scam are on the rise, often involving emails or text messages.

According to a 2023 Ipsos poll, nearly 43 percent of Canadians have reported being victims of fraud or scams at some point in their lives. Credit card fraud is the most commonly reported (21%), followed by debit card fraud (8%) and online phishing scams (8%).

The RCMP advises individuals to protect themselves from emergency scams by confirming the identity of the caller. If the claim involves law enforcement, hang up and contact the local police directly to verify the situation.

Anyone with information on the two men of interest in the Ridge Meadows cases, can contact police at 604-463-6251.