Police warn women that threatening phone calls are believed to be linked

Mounties are warning that women across Metro Vancouver have been receiving a series of threatening phone calls believed to be linked.

RCMP say the calls started last year, with a male caller accurately identifying the woman by name and address, and then claiming he has been watching her through cameras installed inside her home.

The caller then demands the woman engage in sexually explicit conversation with him, or the victim or a family member would be killed. Investigators say women have described the caller as speaking in a quiet voice.

Police say there is no evidence that the caller has installed the cameras.

Most calls are received on the victim’s home phone number, RCMP say; however, some female employees of lingerie and swimwear stores have received calls at work.

Police believe the caller is using a telephone number spoofing app, software or website that changes the caller identification number.

Investigators also believe he may be gathering information about the victim through open social media sources.

Mounties are asking that anyone who believes they may have received one of these calls to contact police.

RCMP recommend the following safety tips:

Record the caller’s telephone number.

Hang up, do not engage in conversation.

Immediately report the incident to your local police.

When and wherever possible block the number.

Use an unlisted name and number.