Latest news with #TaniaVisintin
CTV News
4 days ago
- CTV News
Vancouver police say they're seeing a ‘sharp increase' in bank card scams
Credit and bank cards are seen in this undated file image. Vancouver police say they've seen 'a sharp increase' in a 'sophisticated' bank card scam in recent months, with fraudsters posing as bank investigators. More than $1.2 million has been lost in 56 reports of the scam in Vancouver so far in 2025, the Vancouver Police Department said in a news release Friday. More than half of that total – some $685,000 worth of cash and 'high-value assets' such as gold bars – has been lost in three major incidents over the last two months, the VPD said. 'These recent cases show a disturbing trend where vulnerable people are being exploited by highly organized and deceptive criminals,' said Const. Tania Visintin, in the release. 'We urge the public to stay alert, protect their personal information, and contact police if they suspect fraudulent activity.' The first of the three recent incidents occurred on May 22, when the victim received a call from a man claiming to be from Scotiabank. The call came from a blocked number, and the victim 'disclosed personal banking information' to the fraudster, police said. The victim is now locked out of her account and unable to access statements. A week later, on May 29, VPD officers were called to a home in the West End, where an 83-year-old woman was defrauded of $17,000. 'The victim, experiencing early signs of dementia, had no recollection of providing her card and PIN to an unknown suspect,' police said in their release. The largest of the three incidents occurred on June 9, when 'suspects impersonating RBC fraud investigators' scammed a victim out of $65,000 in cash and 'multiple gold bars valued at approximately $600,000,' according to police. The VPD said its investigation is ongoing and the incidents are believed to be linked to 'a highly organized crime group, potentially operating from Eastern Canada.' 'Investigators believe these scams are part of a wider, well-co-ordinated operation using high-pressure tactics and sophisticated deception to manipulate victims,' said Visintin. 'No legitimate financial institution will ever ask for your PIN, full account number, or instruct you to transfer or surrender funds under threat.' Police said the suspect or suspects in these three crimes have not been identified, and the VPD Financial Crime Unit is working with 'regional and national partners' to trace the suspects and 'track related activity.' 'Anyone with information about this scam is asked to come forward immediately,' police said. 'If it's a crime in progress or if there is an immediate safety concern, please call 911.'
CTV News
4 days ago
- CTV News
Senior seriously injured in East Vancouver hit and run: police
Police cars are seen parked outside Vancouver Police Department headquarters in Vancouver, on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Vancouver police are asking witnesses to come forward after a senior was seriously injured in a hit and run last week. In a news release Friday, the Vancouver Police Department said the victim was crossing Grandview Highway at Slocan Street just before 5:30 p.m. on July 11 when she was struck by a grey SUV. The driver didn't stop and continued driving east on Grandview Highway, according to police. The 70-year-old pedestrian was taken to hospital with injuries police described as serious, but not life-threatening. 'We believe there were several bystanders who attempted to chase after the vehicle,' Const. Tania Visintin said, in the release. 'Investigators would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision. We also want to speak to the driver of the grey SUV to determine what circumstances led up to the incident.' Police asked anyone with information to call 604-717-3012 or email vpdciu@
Vancouver Sun
10-07-2025
- Vancouver Sun
VPD seek witness to June crash on Stanley Park Causeway
Vancouver police are looking for the driver of a Tesla who may have captured footage of a crash off the Lions Gate Bridge last month that left two people injured. The collision occurred just after 4 a.m. on June 15 when a white Ford F150 crashed with a black Chevrolet Corvette on the Stanley Park Causeway, just south of the Lions Gate Bridge. The drivers had non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital. As part of the investigation, police have dashcam footage from a taxi that captured a white Tesla on the Causeway around the time of the crash, said Const. Tania Visintin. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'We are asking the driver of that Tesla, and anyone else who may have witnessed the collision or has relevant video footage, to contact police,' she said in a news release. Police said drug and alcohol impairment are not factors in the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-4021.
CBC
23-06-2025
- CBC
Vancouver senior shares harrowing story of necklace, bracelet robbery
Hairstylist Richard Jeha was in his home neighbourhood of Kerrisdale when someone walked up to him, spoke very fast, and took his valuable cross necklace and bracelet. The thieves sped off in a car. Vancouver police Const. Tania Visintin said her heart breaks for Jeha. It comes as the Lower Mainland experiences a rise in "distraction thefts."
Global News
16-06-2025
- Global News
Vancouver police say suspect has broken into 16 homes in city's west side this year
Vancouver police are looking for a man suspected of breaking into 16 homes in the city's west side since January. Police said the suspect, believed to be a man in his 30s, enters homes through unlocked doors late at night or early in the morning, often when people are home. He wears blue gloves and a medical mask to cover his face and often steals cash or other valuables left in the open, police said. 'We are actively working to identify and arrest this suspect, who is linked to break-ins throughout Marpole, Kerrisdale, Arbutus Ridge, Oakridge and Shaughnessy,' Const. Tania Visintin said in a statement. 'Until we find him, we're asking people to take extra precautions and to call police immediately if you encounter him.' 1:35 No jail time for lawyer who attacked senior with a knife Police believe the suspect may live in the area of the break-ins and is travelling the neighbourhoods at night on foot. The most recent incident happened around 3:30 a.m., at a home near Marguerite Street and West 41st Avenue. Story continues below advertisement The suspect also typically wears a dark baseball cap, a dark hooded jacket, dark pants and dark running shoes, according to police. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy All of the incidents have occurred between West 16th Avenue to the north and West 70th Avenue to the south, and between Oak Street to the east and Elm Street to the west. 'This brazen behaviour is concerning, because it's occurring when people are at home in their beds,' Visintin said. 'Although nobody has been hurt, the fact this suspect is entering homes at night is frightening.' Police said they have increased patrols in the neighbourhood, canvassed for video and witnesses, and taken other investigative steps. Anyone who encounters the suspect committing a crime is asked to call 911 immediately. Anyone who can identify the man is asked to call 604-717-0610.
