October 30,2025
RED FM News Desk
Burnaby RCMP is warning the public about an increasingly sophisticated phone scam that cost one local victim $1 million.
In June, the victim was contacted by scammers posing as employees of a telecommunications company. They claimed she was involved in a fraud investigation and directed her to what appeared to be a “foreign police station,” where she spoke with individuals she believed were law enforcement officers.
The scammers later held a video conference showing a realistic-looking police station backdrop and provided the victim with her passport and driver’s licence numbers to appear credible. Convinced of their legitimacy, the victim was told to pay “bail” to avoid traveling abroad. Between July and September, she made four large transfers totaling $1 million.
“This kind of scam isn’t new, but the creation of such a convincing fake police station is,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj of the Burnaby RCMP. “Scammers are always finding new ways to take your money. Be cautious whenever someone you don’t know asks for personal information or payment.”
Police urge anyone receiving a similar call to hang up immediately and contact their local police department. More information about ongoing scams can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
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