In the context of online scams, the role of law enforcement is often questioned. In this program, we spoke with Constable Mansoor Sahak from the Vancouver North Police Department.

Cst. Sahak explained why seniors are more often targeted for extortion and shared a personal experience of rescuing a victim and saving their money by not allowing the scammer to exploit them. He mentioned that even young people fall victim to online extortion, where their private photos are stolen, and then a ransom is demanded to prevent the release of those photos.

Cst. Sahak listed various types of scams but emphasized that the most common one is targeting seniors with phone calls, informing them that a loved one is in jail and needs payment for release. He emphasized that no police officer would talk to you in this manner and request cash. He advised against reacting emotionally, urging people to consult with their acquaintances and avoid hasty actions.

Cst. Sahak underscored the paramount importance of prevention. Providing essential education to seniors serves as a robust shield, ensuring they do not become victims of these deceitful scams. By empowering them with knowledge and awareness, the likelihood of succumbing to fraudulent schemes significantly diminishes.

Cst. Sahak acknowledged that the law is somewhat behind in dealing with scammers and their evolving methods of extortion, and he stressed the need to grant more authority to the police. He expressed that the police are always there to assist victims, and those who fall prey to scams should not feel guilty for their mistakes.

Journalist: Majid Mahichi,
Skyrise Media Society