Lower Mainland RCMP warn of phone, marketplace scams

White Rock RCMP warn that callers are spoofing the detachment’s phone number and posing as officers investigating identity theft to solicit personal information; residents should hang up and verify calls using a publicly listed number, and should not share sensitive information unless they confirm who is calling. Richmond RCMP report a separate scam targeting online sellers of high-value goods, in which buyers use distraction tactics and envelopes filled mostly with paper to steal watches and collectibles. Police advise sellers to inspect and verify payment before handing over items, consider police exchange zones or verifiable electronic payments, and report suspected fraud. Canadian authorities also encourage reporting attempted fraud, even when no money was lost, because reports can help identify patterns and warn others.