Scams

Vancouver Island is hardly immune to an ever-increasing number of seniors being targeted by frauds and scams. File Photo

RCMP campaign aims to prevent Vancouver Island seniors from falling victim to scams

Team works to create awareness and provide strategies for protecting seniors against financial loss

 

Langley RCMP officers handcuffed one man when they searched an SUV and seized a quality of fake gold in Langley City on Wednesday, March 16, in the 20200 block of Fraser Highway. Because the suspect wasn’t caught in the act of selling, he was released without being charged after agreeing to leave the province. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)

B.C. police bust alleged fake gold scam

Following search and seizure, suspect agrees to leave province

 

FILE - This May 5, 2016, file photo shows Pokemon merchandise. (Mike Lang/Sarasota Herald-Tribune via AP)

2 Pokemon card collectors to get refunds in B.C. online scam case

The Civil Resolution Tribunal ordered Zachary Hall to give full refunds to the buyers

 

An elderly couple in Nanaimo was defrauded out of nearly $400,000 in a lottery scam, say RCMP. (Stock photo)

B.C. seniors defrauded out of nearly $400,000 in fake lottery scam

Elderly couple regularly sent money orders to pay taxes on their ‘winnings,’ say RCMP

An elderly couple in Nanaimo was defrauded out of nearly $400,000 in a lottery scam, say RCMP. (Stock photo)
(File photo)

Online purchases, dicey cryptocurrency schemes top Better Business Bureau’s riskiest scams

The anti-fraud agency has been tracking fraud trends with their online Scam Tracker since 2015

(File photo)
VicPD is warning of this text scam making the rounds. (Photo courtesy of VicPD)

Watch out for ‘safety movement’ text scam, Vancouver Island police warn

VicPD says never click on a text offering free money

VicPD is warning of this text scam making the rounds. (Photo courtesy of VicPD)
Ocean Park residents Gordon and Ester Rice recently lost $8,900 due to a fraud. (Aaron Hinks photo)

Swindler pretends to be grandson, scams B.C. seniors out of $8,900

Surrey RCMP are investigating as couple issues warning to others to be on their guard

Ocean Park residents Gordon and Ester Rice recently lost $8,900 due to a fraud. (Aaron Hinks photo)
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are warning of a scam involving a police impersonator Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. (File photo)

Police impersonator steals thousands from North Okanagan residents

RCMP are warning residents of a scam in which fraudsters claim to be police officers over the phone

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are warning of a scam involving a police impersonator Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. (File photo)
The Better Business Bureau is reminding residents to watch out for holiday scams. (Black Press Media file photo)

Better Business Bureau’s ‘Naughty List’ warns B.C. residents of holiday scams

Fake charities, puppy scams, free gift cards among things to watch out for

The Better Business Bureau is reminding residents to watch out for holiday scams. (Black Press Media file photo)
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

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

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.
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 Vancouver Island RCMP detachment

Sidney/North Saanich 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)