An extortion scheme that convinces people they, or their loved ones, are in trouble has resurfaced in B.C.
In July and October, the B.C. RCMP warned the public about a “virtual kidnapping” scheme that seemingly targeted female Chinese National students. The investigation has since indicated that the calls are random and are being sent out to both Mandarin and English-speaking people, say police.
The scam works like this: the victims receive a random automated call in Mandarin from what appears to be a Chinese Consulate-related phone number.
“This is a notice from Chinese Embassy. You have a document has not been collected for a few days. Please bring relevant identifications while attending the embassy. Today is the last day to collect. If you need further inquiry, press one.”
Upon returning the call, a person posing as a government official or police officer poses a series of questions to the victim. Using that information, they shape the scheme.
“In some of the cases, as we have seen in the virtual kidnappings, victims are being instructed to isolate themselves and avoid the Canadian police,” said RCMP S/Sgt. Annie Linteau.
“When they do so, their families in China are contacted and extorted for the return of their loves ones.”
If they don’t have family abroad, they’re told they’ve been implicated in an investigation in China and must pay a fee to resolve it.
Mounties say anyone who receives such a call should immediately hang up and avoid complying with the scammers.
