B.C. police warn of increase in scams targeting Indigenous businesses

PRINCE GEORGE — Mounties in the north are warning about “a significant increase in high-value” scams targeting Indigenous communities and businesses.

They say fraudsters have swindled more than $3 million from North District communities – including Fort St. John – over the past 15 months, and there is evidence to suggest such scams are happening across Canada.

Police say the schemes are sophisticated and often involve scammers posing as victims, vendors, consultants or contractors to gain access to business contacts and financial transaction records.

The RCMP say it often includes creating fraudulent email accounts that closely resemble those of legitimate vendors or community organizations.

They say the scammers then request or provide banking information updates, redirecting payments and asset transfers to accounts under their control.

Police say they are “deeply concerned” about the financial and social impact of the crimes on Indigenous communities and are encouraging anyone with information about the scams to contact their local RCMP detachment.

“Police are urging community leaders, businesses and individuals to remain vigilant, verify credentials and report any suspicious activity,” the North District RCMP say in the release.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2025.

The Canadian Press