Edmonton police are warning the public about a virtual kidnapping scheme targeting female Chinese students in Alberta and British Columbia.
Police said people posing as Chinese government officials or law enforcement would call young female students and tell them they have been implicated in crimes in China.
They would then threaten to harm their family if they do not go into hiding, and convince them that contacting Canadian law enforcement would see them deported, EPS said.
Once the victims were hiding, the scammers would contact their family and demand money in exchange for their release, police said.
RCMP became aware of the telephone scam in lower mainland British Columbia last July.
“While no incidents have been reported in Edmonton to date, we are concerned that these alleged kidnappings could be or are already occurring here,” Edmonton Police Service Sgt. Kevin Harrison said. “We want the Chinese community to know that they can contact police and that we are able to help.”
Victims of this scam are encouraged to contact Edmonton police at 780-423-4567. If you prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
