Police warn of phone scam targeting Richmond, B.C.'s Chinese community

The Chinese community in Richmond is being warned about a new version of the "foreign police scam" making the rounds that's already defrauded five unwitting victims of over $400,000. 

Richmond RCMP says the scammers first contact victims over the phone posing as representatives of an Asian telecom service provider selling phone, VOIP and TV services.

The call is then transferred to an alleged Chinese police officer who tells the victim their phone number has been used illegally before, threatening arrest and deportation unless they pay up.

Cpl. Adriana O'Malley said the amount lost per victim has varied depending on the individual.

"What this demonstrates is the level of fear that can be incited by these fraudsters," said O'Malley. "They have tactics that make people so obviously fearful enough that they feel that they have to pay."

O'Malley said these types of phone frauds are hard to investigate because the calls often come from overseas. 

She said anyone receiving a call from someone purporting to be foreign police is advised to hang up.

"Don't engage with them. And if you're questioning, could this be legitimate? Again, hang up, find the phone number for that agency and call them to determine whether or not it is a legitimate call."

Richmond RCMP say fraud victims in the city reported losses of $38 million in 2024.