News release

Public Warning: In-person bank card scam

August 6, 2025 - Richmond, BC, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP

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Richmond RCMP is once again warning the public of a reoccurring scam where fraudsters are picking up bank cards in person to defraud victims.  This scam is resurfacing and continuing with more sophisticated tactics. There have been 11 reported cases in Richmond since April 2025, with an approximate loss of $53,000.

In all instances, the victims were contacted by fraudsters over the phone impersonating bank employees advising their bank cards are compromised. The fraudsters convinced the victims to provide their personal information, banking information, including their PINS, and to give their physical bank cards to suspects purporting to be rideshare couriers. On some instances, a link to a fraudulent website to look like legitimate financial institution website was sent to victims to input personal details and banking security answers.  The victims later learned their bank cards were used to fraudulently withdraw cash at ATMs, or used to fraudulently purchase high end merchandise or to purchase foreign currency at currency exchanges.

In most cases, the victims are at a monetary loss as the banks advised their PINS were used.

“The escalation in the tactics used is concerning,” says Corporal Melissa Lui, Richmond RCMP Media Relations officer. “Often, these scammers operate across jurisdictions and as part of broader crime networks. Our Economic Crime investigators work with partner agencies to combat and disrupt their operations and hold perpetrators accountable. Awareness and education are the most effective ways to prevent victimization and we encourage anyone who may have been a victim to report to police as soon as possible.”

Tips to protect yourself:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited phone calls from unknown numbers, especially those requesting for your personal or financial information.
• Never share your credit card or banking card PIN with anyone.
• Do not hand over your bank card to anyone, especially those purporting to be couriers. Safely dispose of expired or compromised cards yourself.
• If you suspect your credit or banking card has been compromised, contact the phone number on the card itself for more information.
• Consider banking in person, and not online or telephone.

For detailed advice on recognizing and avoiding being a victim of fraud and a list of other common scams, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website here.

If you believe you are a victim of a fraud, please report the incident to your police of jurisdiction.

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