At approximately 2:41 pm on February 2, Powell River RCMP received a report of an email fraud from Powell River Board of Education (School District 47).
The fraud begins with an email from a local school principal stating that they have a question and asking for a phone number. The fraudster then phones the number provided and asks for gift cards. The fraudsters are using @gmail.com addresses, which can be distinguished from a legitimate school district address: @sd47.bc.ca.
Police want to remind residents that no legitimate business will ask for payment in the form of gift cards. If anyone has received a phone call or email and are in doubt whether it is legitimate or not, call the local RCMP detachment at 604.485.6255 for assistance.
Officers also reported the following for February 1 to 7, 2023.
Total calls for service: 116
Thefts: 12
Break and enter: 5
Impaired driving: 0
Assaults: 3
Mischief: 5
Mental health: 7
Anyone with information about any crime is asked to contact Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com.
