According to the RCMP, scammers continue to get the better of at least a couple of trusting Coasters every few weeks, whether it’s the Elon Musk, Microsoft or Canada Post scams.
This week, it’s reports of time-share and phishing scams that are causing concern, so this might be a good time to speak to any vulnerable friends or family and remind them to be careful.
Telus fraud
A Sunshine Coast resident reported a phishing scheme, during which he received a call that showed as coming from "Telus." The caller was able to obtain personal information from the victim including banking information. After the call, the victim became suspicious and tried to call the Telus number back, but it was blocked so they reported the suspicious incident to police and Equifax.
Time-share fraud
On Nov. 8, a Gibsons resident reported to police that he had been defrauded of more than $20,000 by someone who reported to be part of a time-share buy-back company. Because the resident did own a timeshare in Mexico, he believed the caller was legitimate. The victim wired two payments and then became suspicious when they were asked for more money. After calling the legitimate time-share management company, he realized it was a scam.
Theft of copper wire and tools
The RCMP has received several reports of theft from a construction site off of Selma Park Road in Sechelt. Sometime overnight between Nov. 14 and 15, 100-feet of heavy duty, 1.25-inch cable was stolen from 5330 Smaylilh Way. It's believed the cable was stolen for the copper content. The cable is very heavy and would have needed two people and a vehicle to remove it from the site. The same site also had 150-feet of the same cable, a portable generator and tools stolen between Nov. 8 to 12. If anyone noted anything suspicious in the area, they’re asked to call the Sunshine Coast RCMP at 604-885-2266.
Found canoe
An older, red-and-blue metal canoe was located floating on the southwest side of Poise Island in the Sechelt Inlet and is believed to have broken loose during the storm two weeks ago. If anyone is missing a canoe or knows the owner, please contact the Sunshine Coast RCMP at 604-885-2266 with file number 2024-8941.
Impaired Driving
On Nov. 10, Sunshine Coast RCMP had set up an impaired-driving road block at Sunshine Coast Highway and Matukwum Avenue in Sechelt, when a grey pickup truck approached at approximately 11:15 p.m. Instead of slowing to speak with police as directed, the truck’s driver sped up and drove through the roadblock and RCMP conducted a traffic stop with the vehicle a short distance away. The driver provided a breath sample, which resulted in a "Fail" reading. A 90-day driving prohibition was issued and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Break and enter: Business
On Nov. 18 at approximately 11:30 p.m., a masked person threw a brick through the glass door of a business at 5710 Teredo St. The suspect was wearing dark clothing and carried a red-coloured backpack. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please call the RCMP at 604-885-2266 with file number 2024-8985.
Mischief to business
On Nov. 17 at approximately 5:20 a.m., a person dressed all in black smashed a window at Trail Bay Source for Sports store, located at 5504 Trail Avenue in Sechelt. If anyone witnessed this vandalism, they’re asked to contact the RCMP at 604-885-2266 with file number 2024-8929.
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