Richmond residents have reported more than $33 million in losses due to fraud so far this year.
And Richmond RCMP say vulnerable groups are being targeted, including seniors, international students and new immigrants.
There have been 990 cases reported to police so far in 2024.
In 2023, there were 945 cases with a loss of more than $34 million.
Among the most concerning trends are money mule schemes, which are increasingly targeting international students and individuals new to Canada, explained Richmond RCMP.
Criminals use tactics such as false job offers, romance scams and threats to recruit individuals to unknowingly participate in money laundering activities.
A money mule is someone who transfers stolen funds on behalf of criminals, often under the guise of a job offer, personal favour or investment opportunity. Victims may be asked to open bank accounts in their own names or use their personal accounts to move money, unknowingly becoming part of illegal activities.
Sgt. Dave Au with the Richmond RCMP Economic Crime Unit said they are seeing an increase in money mule recruitment, particularly among international students.
“These individuals are often tricked into believing they are helping someone or earning a legitimate income," said Au. "What they don’t realize is that this makes them complicit in money laundering.”
Richmond RCMP’s Economic Crime Unit (ECU) is comprised of investigators who specialize in combating complex financial crimes, including cryptocurrency fraud and emerging threats like deepfake technology.
Their collaborative work across jurisdictions aims to ensure victims receive justice and fraudsters face consequences.
The top fraud categories of 2024 were investment scams, crypto scams, phone scams and romance scams
Fraudsters continue to exploit trust and fear, with tactics evolving to include digital platforms and social engineering. Read more about common scams on the BC RCMP website.
RCMP conduct community outreach, engagement
Richmond RCMP’s ECU, Community Engagement Team (CET) and volunteers have been working to prevent fraud through public outreach efforts:
This summer, officers and volunteers set up fraud prevention booths at the Richmond Night Market and conducted local presentations, engaging with thousands of residents to raise awareness.
On Oct. 27, the ECU engaged with more than 1,000 shoppers at T&T Market, sharing fraud prevention pamphlets in multiple languages.
CET and ECU are conducting fraud awareness presentations in seniors centres and with community groups, focusing on scams targeting vulnerable residents.
These efforts are ongoing, and aim to educate the public, encourage reporting and empower the community to recognize and avoid scams.
Fraud prevention tips from the Economic Crime Unit
Verify offers: Be skeptical of unsolicited job offers, which should never require the use of your personal bank account to transfer money.
Don’t share financial information: Never provide banking details to someone you’ve only met online or through unsolicited messages.
Be cautious of cryptocurrency requests: Legitimate agencies will never ask for payment in cryptocurrency or gift cards.
Report suspicious activity: If you suspect fraud, report it to the Richmond RCMP's non-emergency line at 604-278-1212 or to your police of jurisdiction.
Richmond RCMP urges all residents to report suspected fraud, even if no money has been lost. Reporting fraud helps disrupt criminal networks and prevents further victimization.
To learn more about protecting yourself and your loved ones from fraud, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
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