Scams

The West Shore RCMP is encouraging residents to be safe this holiday season, and avoid falling victim to scams or theft. (Black Press Media file photo)

West Shore RCMP warns residents to be cautious of holiday scams, theft

Online shopping, mail, and unattended vehicles are all targets during the holiday season

 

British Columbia residents are being warned of advanced and evolving online cryptocurrency investment scams (Pixabay.com)

British Columbians have lost $3.5M to cryptocurrency scams so far in 2021

Police urging caution as scams are on the rise through social media and online dating platforms

 

Sent to Andrea DeMeer, Oct. 14, seven days after the romance began and four hours after the gift cards were promised but not sent. Scammer then blocked on Messenger.

LOVE HURTS: Black Press Media journalist goes inside a romance scam

Run by organized crime, these traps can be financially devastating and even fatal

 

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)
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre estimates that less than five per cent of mass-marketing fraud is ever reported.

Tips to avoid scams targeting Vancouver Island seniors

In most cases, fraudsters impersonate an individual, business or agency seniors recognize and trust

  • Jun 15, 2021
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre estimates that less than five per cent of mass-marketing fraud is ever reported.
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How to tell if a call from ‘CRA’ is legitimate or a scam

Expert says it’s important to verify you really are dealing with the CRA before you give out any info

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The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers not to fall for an “every child matters” orange shirt scam that is circulating from a Facebook advertisement. (Website/TeeToro)

T-shirt scammers falsely claim to support Indigenous causes, BBB warns

‘Opportunists trying to take advantage of a horrible tragedy is nothing new,” says Karla Laird

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers not to fall for an “every child matters” orange shirt scam that is circulating from a Facebook advertisement. (Website/TeeToro)
Cst. Paul Mittelsteadt, community policing officer for Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, said local RCMP are currently dealing with “a huge uptick” in complaints involving scams. (Black Press Media File)

Significant rise in scam complaints received by Sidney/North Saanich RCMP

Community policing officer offers a variety of ways to avoid being scammed

Cst. Paul Mittelsteadt, community policing officer for Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, said local RCMP are currently dealing with “a huge uptick” in complaints involving scams. (Black Press Media File)
BC Cancer Foundation canvassers are recognizable by their teal vests and ID badges. (Foundation file photo)

B.C. Cancer Foundation canvassers going door-to-door

Residents asked to support monthly donor program, but warned canvassers do not take cash

BC Cancer Foundation canvassers are recognizable by their teal vests and ID badges. (Foundation file photo)
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)
A woman in Nanaimo lost close to $27,000 after lottery a scam promising $750 million and a Mercedes Benz. (Black Press file)

Nanaimo woman scammed out of $25,000 after promise of $750-million lottery prize

Senior followed instructions to pay ‘up-front taxes’

A woman in Nanaimo lost close to $27,000 after lottery a scam promising $750 million and a Mercedes Benz. (Black Press file)
The Better Business Bureau is reminding people to do their research before starting any home improvement projects this spring. (Black Press Media file photo)

Don’t get scammed on home improvements, warns Better Business Bureau

Scams typically involve paying cash upfront for jobs that never get done, says BBB

The Better Business Bureau is reminding people to do their research before starting any home improvement projects this spring. (Black Press Media file photo)
A neighbour thwarted the potential sale of a home in Oak Bay, which was listed without the owner’s consent. (Google street view)

Oak Bay home put up for sale without owner’s knowledge

Neighbour thwarts scam with a phone call

A neighbour thwarted the potential sale of a home in Oak Bay, which was listed without the owner’s consent. (Google street view)
The Better Business Bureau is warning of an emerging scam where fraudsters send text messages that appear to come from Amazon. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

Beware of scam offering enticing prize from Amazon: Better Business Bureau

Text messages appear to come from Amazon

The Better Business Bureau is warning of an emerging scam where fraudsters send text messages that appear to come from Amazon. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)
Vancouver police are warning of a surge in scams involving cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, a form of digital currency, using the promises of romance or financial gain through virtual investment. (Pixabay)

Nearly $2M stolen in one week through cryptocurrency scams, say Vancouver police

Scammers exploit victims with fake promises of romance or financial gain through investments

Vancouver police are warning of a surge in scams involving cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, a form of digital currency, using the promises of romance or financial gain through virtual investment. (Pixabay)
The Better Business Bureau is warning people of a sizable increase in gift card scams. (Black Press Media file photo)

Gift card scam losses nearly tripled over last three years: Better Business Bureau

Consumers over 65 most likely to lose money

The Better Business Bureau is warning people of a sizable increase in gift card scams. (Black Press Media file photo)
The Canada Revenue Agency sign outside the National Headquarters at the Connaught Building in Ottawa is seen on Monday, March 1, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

CRA locking over 800,000 taxpayers out of their online accounts

Tax agency says some usernames and passwords may have been obtained by ‘unauthorized third parties’

The Canada Revenue Agency sign outside the National Headquarters at the Connaught Building in Ottawa is seen on Monday, March 1, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Victoria police are warning people after a fraudster posed as a CEO and convinced an employee to purchase $1,000-worth of gift cards. (Black Press Media file photo)

Fraudster impersonates CEO, steals $1,000 from unsuspecting Victoria employee

Victim purchased 10 gift cards worth $100 each

Victoria police are warning people after a fraudster posed as a CEO and convinced an employee to purchase $1,000-worth of gift cards. (Black Press Media file photo)
A Victoria resident was scammed out of $1,700 after a fraudster impersonated a police officer and convinced the victim to pay a non-existent fine in Bitcoin. (Unsplash)

Fraudster impersonates Victoria police officer, steals $1,700 in Bitcoin

Phone call showed up as VicPD’s non-emergency line

A Victoria resident was scammed out of $1,700 after a fraudster impersonated a police officer and convinced the victim to pay a non-existent fine in Bitcoin. (Unsplash)
The Cerebral Palsy Association of B.C. is warning of soliciting phone calls from imposters posing as team members. (Black Press - file photo)

Cerebral Palsy Association of B.C. warns of scammers

Organization does not solicit donations by phone

The Cerebral Palsy Association of B.C. is warning of soliciting phone calls from imposters posing as team members. (Black Press - file photo)