Powell River RCMP received a report of a gift card fraud on May 31. The victim received a call from a BC number and spoke to a person who claimed they were from the CIBC fraud department and advised that there had been suspicious activity on a credit card.
The caller asked for $2,000 in gift cards and instructed the victim not to go to the local CIBC branch, and not to tell retail employees why gift cards were being purchased.
Powell River RCMP officers continue to warn all residents about gift card scams. No legitimate business will ask for payment in the form of gift cards for any reason.
Anyone who receives an unsolicited call for payment of any kind or requesting personal information is advised to hang up immediately and call the business directly using a contact number they themselves acquire.
Individuals who have been victims of fraud or suspect someone is attempting to defraud them are encouraged to call Powell River RCMP.
Local police also responded to 138 total calls for service from May 29 to June 4, including six thefts, one break and enter, four impaired driving incidents, four assaults, nine cases of mischief and 10 related to mental health.
Anyone with information about a crime is asked to contact Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 or bccrimestoppers.com.
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