Coquitlam drivers hit with parking lot fraudsters

Pedestrians are targeting Coquitlam drivers in a recent parking lot scam.

RCMP is warning drivers to call police if they are being asked to pay cash for ‘hitting’ a pedestrian in a parking lot.

Suspects have been reported to be on foot, waiting for a car to back out of a parking spot. They will then pretend to get hit by the moving car and attempt to pressure the driver into an on the spot cash settlement, rather than making a claim with ICBC.

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Since December, 2017, we’ve had at least three instances of suspected parking lot fraud in Coquitlam, says Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with Coquitlam RCMP in a release.

According to RCMP, there is a strong possibility the suspects are targeting Canadians of Asian descent.

Police say the scam may also be happening in other cities around Metro Vancouver.

Even for minor or routine claims, one way to stay protected is to use the ICBC collision settlement process.

If you think you are being victimized by a fraud in progress, call 911.

For all other fraud cases, call the non-emergency number of your local police.

In Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam or Port Coquitlam, the RCMP’s non-emergency number is 604-945-1550.