fraud prevention

Recent report warns B.C. residents about tactics used by fraudsters and how to identify them (File Photo)

‘Stick and carrot’: New scams are using threats and kindness to get into Canadians’ wallets

Experts call for online caution and help B.C. residents to identify techniques used by scammers

 

Nanaimo RCMP are warning of scams that have plagued victims in this city and across Canada. (Stock photo)

Island RCMP remind people to ‘know the signs’ of common frauds and scams

Police detail cases in which victims have been scammed out of thousands of dollars

 

Employees of the Best Buy in Nanaimo saved a victim from being defrauded of $3,500, says Nanaimo RCMP. (Pixabay photo)

Store employees in Nanaimo prevent scam victim from spending $3,500 on pre-paid credit cards

At least 12 fraud incidents reported in last five days, according to Nanaimo RCMP

 

Police are alerting the public to be wary of an online rental scam after a Nanaimo man paid a deposit only to find the rental property was occupied. (Black Press Media file photo)

Nanaimo renter defrauded by fake landlord, finds accommodations already occupied

Victim e-transfers thousands to fraudster

Police are alerting the public to be wary of an online rental scam after a Nanaimo man paid a deposit only to find the rental property was occupied. (Black Press Media file photo)
The West Shore RCMP is warning residents of a fraudulent cheque scam. (Black Press Media file photo)

Scammers deceive 2 West Shore residents with fraudulent cheques

Residents were trying to sell items online

The West Shore RCMP is warning residents of a fraudulent cheque scam. (Black Press Media file photo)
Bonnie Ball of Chilliwack, pictured her with her dog Trudy on July 26, 2021, was the victim of a telephone fraud costing her $44,000. (Paul Henderson/ Chilliwack Progress)

Telephone fraudster tricks Fraser Valley senior out of $44,000

Convinced by scammer her grandson was arrested and needed bail money

Bonnie Ball of Chilliwack, pictured her with her dog Trudy on July 26, 2021, was the victim of a telephone fraud costing her $44,000. (Paul Henderson/ Chilliwack Progress)
SPD warns residents not to buy electronics from non-reputable sources or stores. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

Resident swindled out of cash in Saanich parking lot deal

Saanich police issue warning after suspects sell home theatre equipment from rental van

SPD warns residents not to buy electronics from non-reputable sources or stores. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
The senior was called on March 31 and told to mail the cash to an address overseas. (Pixabay)

B.C. senior scammed into sending $20K overseas, hidden between books

Vancouver police, in a coordinated effort with UK enforcement agencies, were able to intercept the mailed money

The senior was called on March 31 and told to mail the cash to an address overseas. (Pixabay)
Saanich police are reminding residents to be wary of unsolicited calls to prevent phone scams. (Black Press Media files)

Spoofed phone numbers, requests for cash by mail among recent fraud attempts

Saanich police share anti-fraud tips, red-flags to watch for to avoid common scams

Saanich police are reminding residents to be wary of unsolicited calls to prevent phone scams. (Black Press Media files)
Victoria police are warning people of a continued rise in cybercrime. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Victoria police warn of rising cybercrime called spear phishing

Fraudsters continue to trick people out of large sums of money

Victoria police are warning people of a continued rise in cybercrime. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
VicPD is warning the public after a man paid $460 for fake gold jewelry. (Unsplash)

Police issue warning after Victoria man pays $460 for fake gold jewelry

Suspects flagged victim down and took him to ATM

VicPD is warning the public after a man paid $460 for fake gold jewelry. (Unsplash)
Victoria police are warning the public of fraudsters impersonating Service Canada and VicPD in an attempt to have victims transfer money to bitcoins. (Unsplash photo)

Police issue warning after Victoria man scammed out of $6,000

Victim received calls from people impersonating Service Canada, VicPD

Victoria police are warning the public of fraudsters impersonating Service Canada and VicPD in an attempt to have victims transfer money to bitcoins. (Unsplash photo)
The Better Business Bureau is warning people of scammers posing as Amazon customer support. (AP File Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Watch out for Amazon imposters, says scam expert

Better Business Bureau is warning of a rise in Amazon scammers as people online shop more

The Better Business Bureau is warning people of scammers posing as Amazon customer support. (AP File Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Vancouver Island RCMP warn of ongoing frauds

Vancouver Island RCMP warn of ongoing frauds

Here are some of the more common scams to be aware of

  • Aug 9, 2020
Vancouver Island RCMP warn of ongoing frauds
View Royal Mayor David Screech found himself victimized this week by a CERB scammer who managed to access Screech’s Canada Revenue Agency account. (File photo)

Vancouver Island mayor hacked by CERB identity theft scammer

View Royal’s David Screech shocked to find CRA account accessed, banking information changed

View Royal Mayor David Screech found himself victimized this week by a CERB scammer who managed to access Screech’s Canada Revenue Agency account. (File photo)
Reminding seniors of the importance of not giving out personal or financial information to people you don’t know or over the phone is an important first step. (Submitted)

Tips on how to protect your aging loved ones from financial abuse

About one in 10 seniors are victims of consumer fraud each year: Canadian Department of Justice

Reminding seniors of the importance of not giving out personal or financial information to people you don’t know or over the phone is an important first step. (Submitted)
The Canada Anti-Fraud Centre warns of the potential for COVID-19 related scams. (Pixabay photo)

Island police warn of coronavirus-related fraud attempts

Police say to look out for associated scams playing on fear and misinformation

The Canada Anti-Fraud Centre warns of the potential for COVID-19 related scams. (Pixabay photo)
RCMP urge Nanaimo homeowners to be wary of door-to-door scam artists

RCMP urge Nanaimo homeowners to be wary of door-to-door scam artists

Police issue warning during Fraud Awareness Month

RCMP urge Nanaimo homeowners to be wary of door-to-door scam artists
‘Clever’ 90-year-old Saanich resident evades vitamin phone scammer

‘Clever’ 90-year-old Saanich resident evades vitamin phone scammer

Police warn of phone scammers claiming to be from the Regional Health Authority

‘Clever’ 90-year-old Saanich resident evades vitamin phone scammer
Each year around tax season the Canada Revenue Agency scam pops up again, with callers posing as CRA officials demanding payment or else the receiver would face jail time for tax fraud a claim that is untrue, as the agency does not call residents to demand money. Dustin Godfrey/Western News

EDITORIAL: Educate ourselves about potential frauds

The Canada Revenue Agency scam is making the rounds in the region again

  • Apr 4, 2018
Each year around tax season the Canada Revenue Agency scam pops up again, with callers posing as CRA officials demanding payment or else the receiver would face jail time for tax fraud a claim that is untrue, as the agency does not call residents to demand money. Dustin Godfrey/Western News