Fraud scheme targets Asian community with fake law enforcement threats

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The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is warning the public about an extortion scam targeting the Asian community.

Callers have been posing as authorities from China or Hong Kong, as well as the Public Safety Bureau, and falsely accuse the victims of being involved in criminal activity.

“Victims are pressured to cooperate with a supposed ‘investigation’ and may be instructed to travel or transfer funds under urgent and threatening circumstances,” police explained in a media release. “In some cases, victims are directed to convert money into gold or other high-value assets and surrender them to individuals posing as officers of the law, such as anti-corruption officials. These tactics are designed to create fear, urgency and compliance.”

Any unsolicited contact from someone claiming to be from law enforcement should be considered suspicious, especially if there is a demand for secrecy and requests for money or other valuable assets.

Authorities say legitimate law enforcement agencies will never request payments, gold or valuables as part of an investigation.

Residents are also advised to avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers and, if feeling pressured, to speak with a trusted contact before taking action.

Anyone who suspects they have been the target of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police department.