How to tell if a phone call from the municipality is legit?
Scammers impersonate individuals, businesses and organizations to get access to your personal information or to get money from you.
BIM is aware of a scam where a caller tries to impersonate the Municipality, and says property taxes are overdue (BIMs property taxes are due July 2).
How to protect yourself from spam phone calls:
- Let unknown numbers go to voicemail
- Caller ids can be spoofed, so be careful before sharing information or sending money
- Don’t give out personal details or visa information over the phone
- Verify requests. Put the phone down and call us to verify the request
Common signs to listen for:
Here are some common signs to look out for during a telemarketing and retail scam vishing call.
- There is a noticeable delay at the beginning of the call and there is poor audio quality
- The caller is trying to sell you an unsolicited service or provide you with an unexpected refund
- a reputable organization will not use a phone call to make offers that require your sensitive information
- You’re asked to provide personal or sensitive information in the call, often right away, or over another source, such as a follow up email or verification text
- The caller tries to pressure you by creating a sense of urgency to get you to act fast
- The caller may become irritated and start using abusive or unprofessional language
Unsure?
Hang up and call the municipality right away on 604-947-4255.
Questions? Please contact us.
Phone: 604-947-4255 ext 0
Email: bim@bimbc.ca