Sunshine Coast residents are losing tens of thousands of dollars scams, according to the RCMP.
Some recent examples of residents falling victim to scams the RCMP listed in a March 14 release include:
- A resident who thought they were signing up with a trading company and lost over $72,000 after providing their banking information.
- A Halfmoon Bay resident was told they had won $25 million as well as a new car, and just needed to pay the taxes, which resulted in them losing $55,000 between Visa gift cards and mailed cheques.
- A Gibsons resident was called by an individual claiming to represent a Bitcoin trading company, convincing them to transfer $3,000.
- In Sechelt a resident received a letter and phone calls informing that they had won $750,000 in the "Canadian sweepstakes draw." They sent close to $500,000 to the scammers in a series of cheques, believing it was going to the CRA to cover the false prize.
Individuals are receiving calls from people claiming to represent financial institutions, often the Canada Revenue Agency, the police or distressed family members. Through various tactics, such as saying that bank accounts have been compromised, one has overdue taxes or the family is in trouble, scammers will ask the victim to buy a series of online gift cards and send the scammer the 10-digit code attached.
“The RCMP wants to remind residents that legitimate companies will never ask you to settle a debt or pay a bill through the purchase of gift cards,” said the release.”If you, or someone you know, are contacted by a person asking for money, you’re encouraged to simply hang up and report it to your local RCMP.”
"Anytime money is involved, don't feel pressured to make quick decisions. Consult a trusted family member, your bank or the police before you give anyone access to your accounts or send money," said the release.
Additional information on protecting yourself from online scams can be found at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
