New Westminster police are warning residents to be wary about criminals impersonating police officers.
The New Westminster Police Department has issued the warning after criminals impersonated NWPD officers in order to defraud a local senior.
From what investigators have learned, it is believed that multiple people posing as police officers spoke to a senior at her home and manipulated her into handing over several credit and debit cards, which were later used to make fraudulent purchases, said a NWPD news release.
This investigation is in the early stages, and police are in the process of conducting interviews and sourcing CCTV footage of the suspects.
“This is deplorable criminal activity targeting vulnerable people who badly need their hard-earned savings and pension income by exploiting their trust of the police,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver, media relations officer. “I’d like to speak to these criminals directly: ‘You should turn yourself in today.’”
The New Westminster Police Department is advising residents to speak to friends and family members about this scam.
The NWPD is also reminding residents that they can call 911 to before opening their door to someone claiming to be a police officer so they can confirm the legitimacy of that claim; 911 call takers will let you know if police officers have been sent to your location.
Anyone with information they believe will help investigators with this investigation is asked to call the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411 and reference file 2024-5516.
