Image: File / Pattison Media

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Public Safety

North Vancouver RCMP warn of spike in senior-targeted fraud across Lower Mainland

May 29, 2025 | 10:48 AM

NORTH VANCOUVER — Mounties are warning the public about a spike in fraud cases targeting seniors, following a recent incident that left one North Vancouver woman out $23,000.

On May 15, an elderly woman received a call from someone claiming to be a fraud investigator with her bank. The caller told her that suspicious purchases had been made on her chequing account and that her card chips needed to be inspected.

Shortly after, a man posing as a bank representative came to her home and collected her bank cards. The woman unknowingly handed her cards to a fraudster, who then made $23,000 in unauthorized charges.

The incident was reported to her financial institution and to North Vancouver RCMP.

Police say the suspects may be travelling throughout the Lower Mainland, with eight similar frauds reported using the same tactic. Investigators believe the suspects are currently active in North Vancouver. The investigations are ongoing.

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“We need would-be targets to know how to recognize these scams,” said Cpl. Mansoor Sahak of North Vancouver RCMP.

Sahak urged anyone who interacts with seniors or newcomers to Canada to speak to them about recognizing and avoiding fraud. “Anyone can be a target,” he said. “Some of the fraudsters are extremely convincing.”

Police shared tips to avoid being scammed: don’t be afraid to say no, do your research, and never share personal information, including your name, address, birthdate, Social Insurance Number or banking details with someone you don’t know.

For more information, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.

Anyone who has been victimized is urged to contact their local police or call 9-1-1. Non-victim scam reports can be made to 1-888-495-8501.