[Home Safety] Home Scams & Suspicious Persons

Applicable Scenarios: A stranger knocks on your door pretending to be a BC Hydro worker checking the meter, or a city inspector demanding entry to check the pipes; or noticing suspicious individuals loitering or lingering around your property.

Self-Help & Quick Solutions

  • Keep the Door Closed: Never open your door for any unannounced inspections, door-to-door sales, or fundraising. Communicate strictly through the peephole or a locked security screen door.
  • Verify Official Identity: If someone claims to be a government or utility company employee, demand that they show their photo ID through the door or window. Tell them you will call their company’s official line to verify their dispatch. Scammers will usually leave on their own once they hear you are verifying their identity.
  • Never Disclose Personal Information: Never sign any documents at your doorstep, and never reveal that you live alone.

Who to Contact

  • In Progress (Someone trying to force open your door or break in): Dial 911 immediately to report a crime in progress.
  • Suspicious Activity / Fraud After the Fact: Call the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Non-Emergency line at 604-717-3321.

What should I do if a stranger knocks on my door claiming to be a utility worker or city inspector demanding entry?

Keep the door closed under all circumstances. Communicate strictly through a peephole, window, or a locked security screen door. Demand that they show their photo ID and inform them that you will call their company’s official line to verify their dispatch. Scammers will usually leave on their own once they hear you are verifying their identity. For active alerts on utility scams, visit the BC Hydro Scam Awareness
page.

How do I report a suspicious person lingering around my property, or a doorstep scam after the fact?

If someone is actively trying to force open your door or break in, dial 911 immediately to report a crime in progress. For past fraud incidents or suspicious activity with no immediate danger to life, please contact the Vancouver Police Department (VPD)
Non-Emergency line at 604-717-3321.