Kelowna RCMP report a local man lost about $35,000 in an iTunes gift card scam.
RCMP Corporal Jesse O'Donaghey says the complainant was contacted by someone with a South Asian accent, who falsely claimed they represented a company that had purchased another reputable company.
The complainant had recently received online technical support services for his personal computer from that reputable company, so he thought the caller was legitimate.
O'Donaghey says unfortunately, the complainant granted the fraudster access to his computer and he was convinced to purchase tens of thousands of dollars in iTunes cards and then enter the information into his computer.
The scam artist also managed to access the complainant's international bank account and remove thousands in funds.
On its website, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports it has seen an increase in complaints where fraudsters request payment through the purchase of iTunes gift cards.
O'Donaghey says the RCMP advises that if you are asked to pay for any service or product with an iTunes gift card, do not follow through; it's a scam. Report the incident to both your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
It is also not uncommon for fraudsters to impersonate the Canada Revenue Agency.