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Vancouver residents receive calls from a screaming, crying woman

New terrifying prank call

People in the Vancouver area are receiving prank calls from what sounds like a woman who is crying in distress. 

Vancouver police have received six reports over the last week of people receiving calls from a woman who sounds like she might be in danger, according to CTV News Vancouver.

The calls have international area codes and Vancouver police have not yet been able to find a motive behind them. They are continuing to investigate but it is extremely difficult to trace their origin.

Mikala Folb had received the call at 9 a.m. on Thursday, coming from a U.K. number which is a place she had previously lived. Because of having so many friends in the U.K., she picked up the phone despite not recognizing the number. 

"I instantly heard the sound of a woman frantic, sobbing sort of sad screaming. Not quiet-crying but sort of hysterical," she said. "I completely froze. I was standing there surrounded by my colleagues and they could hear it through the phone."

Folb attempted to ask the crying woman who she was and the response sounded like "it's me." Shortly after this, the call was disconnected and Folb was left feeling "chilled to the bone."

"Logic dictated, I'm sure this is a prank," she said. "But this was unlike anything we’ve heard. There was no payoff…it sounded like someone was being kidnapped or brutally hurt."

Because Folb was so concerned, she tried texting the number back so see if the caller was alright. Folb had also recently gotten a phone update which caused her to lose many contacts, so she was worried the call came from someone she knew.

"I said, 'Who is this? I don't have your number. Are you ok? Clearly you're not,'" said Folb. She then tried phoning the number back, but the call failed. Folb is unsure of the caller's motive except for finding out that her phone number is in service.

After this, Folb contacted the VPD's non-emergency line to report the incident and was informed by police that they had already received reports of similar calls days prior. 

"We are asking the public to be vigilant. If they aren't expecting a call from an unknown number, don't answer it," said Const. Tania Visintin. "If anyone does truly believe someone could be in danger, please call 911 immediately."

-With files from CTV News Vancouver



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