The BC RCMP issued a warning yesterday, after a series of threatening phone calls made to women across the Lower Mainland.
Last year, women started receiving calls from a male who identified the victim by name and address first, then claiming to have installed cameras inside the victim’s home.
“He then demands the woman engage in sexually explicit conversation with him. If not, he would threaten the victim by say she or a family member would be killed,” RCMP wrote in a warning.
Police said there is no evidence that the caller had installed the cameras inside the victims’ home. They believe that the caller is collecting information from social media and using some software to change the caller identification number.
Most victims received calls on their home phone number, but some working at lingerie and swimwear stores received calls at their workplaces as well.
“If you believe that you may have been the recipient of one of these calls and have not already reported to police, we encourage you to do so now,” said Sgt. Janelle Shoihet, RCMP media relations officer, in a statement.
If you receive a similar phone call, RCMP recommends the following safety tips:
1. Record the caller’s telephone number
2. Hang up, do not engage in conversation with the caller
3. Immediately report the incident to your local police
4. When and wherever possible block the number
5. Use an unlisted name and number
If you received this type of call in Richmond, please contact the Richmond RCMP at (604) 278-1212.
