March 18,2026
RED FM News Desk
The City of Vancouver says it is committed to making all interactions with the public transparent and secure.
Mayor Ken Sim posted on X that to help protect residents from extortion, the city’s Development, Buildings and Licensing Department now requires all inspectors—including those working in building, electrical, plumbing, gas, and animal services—to ensure their official city phone numbers are visible when contacting the public.
Residents can confirm an inspector’s identity by checking the public staff directory on vancouver.ca. If there is any doubt about a caller, they are encouraged to dial 311 to be connected to the appropriate department for verification.
Anyone with concerns about suspected extortion attempts is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department’s non-emergency line at 604-717-3321. Currently, the VPD is investigating four extortion cases, but says the true number of victims is likely higher.
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