A new twist on a phone scam has made its way to BC. We’re going to tell you about the vitamin phone scam and what to do if you get the call.
How the vitamin phone scam works
A scammer calls you and claims they’re a part of the regional health authority and want to discuss the benefits of vitamins. They may try and sell you vitamins and gain access to your financial information, such as your credit card details.
Regional health authorities, such as Island Health, do not contact people to sell products over the phone.
What should I do if I get a scam call?
Hang up and make a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. You can report an incident online or by phone (1-888-495-8501).
Scams like this have been known to target seniors, so spread the word and ensure that your friends and family are aware of the scam.
Have you heard of this scam? Share your experience in the comments.
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About Consumer Protection BC
We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.
If I choose to answer what appears to be a scam call ( CRA and the threat of arrests) I ask whose speaking and respond that this call is being recorded for quality control …. the caller always hangs up instantly.
Good one -” recording for quality control.”
When I get the CRA scam the last time i was bored so i talked to them… half way thru the conversation i asked the guy to speak french as i wanted to practice my french…lol. he stated he didnt know how to speak French. I said then you are not calling from Cra as it is a bilingual country and CRA is federal. He hung up on me…lol.