Kelowna RCMP has observed an increase in tap, communication and online scams. Tap fraud involves the fraudulent acquisition of credit or bank cards and quick merchandise purchases before victims are aware. Many of these types of crimes start from the theft of a purse or a wallet left in a vehicle. No matter how long you are away from your vehicle, it’s imperative that you ensure your vehicle is locked and there are no valuables visible.
There has also been an uptick in fraud through online market place purchases with a request for cost or down payment prior to an item being received.
Communication scams are where you can be asked to provide an email or you receive a phone call claiming to be from law enforcement agencies like the RCMP, Interpol, or Europol. These scammers may use police logos or other identifiers to appear legitimate. The messages could include:
• A fraudulent letter accusing you of criminal charges and asking you to contact them to avoid jail.
• A message demanding money to avoid arrest.
• An email with a malicious attachment they ask you to open.
“Law enforcement or any level of government and financial institutes will never demand payment especially using gift cards or other alternative payment options. These institutes often threaten arrest via email or phone” said Cst. Mike Della-Paolera Medi Relations Officer with the Kelowna RCMP, “If in doubt, contact the law enforcement agency directly.”
Another scam involves individuals posing as employees of the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada. They may claim that you:
• Have a compromised SIN number.
• Have an outstanding case against you.
• Owe back taxes.
• Have unpaid balances.
• Committed a financial crime.
These scammers may threaten arrest, fines, or deportation if you don't comply immediately. They often request payment via money service businesses, prepaid cards/gift cards (iTunes, Google Play, or Steam cards), or Bitcoin.
Grandparent scams (also called grandchild scams) are common scams that target seniors. They usually involve a phone call from someone telling the victims that their grandchild is in legal trouble and will need a large sum of money as bail.
If you get a call like this, be prepared: the scammer may already know your grandchild’s name and what your grandchild calls you (for example, a nickname like Nona or Grampy).
Scammers request money to be wired right away without telling anyone. The scammer may try to convince you that your grandchild was in a car accident or arrested.
In two separate instances in Kelowna, the scammer attended the victim’s residence, taking large sums of cash they had pre-arranged with the victims.
Here are some ways to protect yourself:
• Check your vehicles to ensure it’s locked no matter how short the stop is.
• Update and maintain strong passwords.
• Refuse overpayment cheques, ask for exact amounts.
• If a bank or company reaches out to you regarding a fraudulent transaction on an account, a hacked computer or a virus, be safe and hang up.
If you receive a call like this, DON’T wire the money or give the caller any further information. Hang up and call your grandchild, or another family member, to find out what’s going on. Report the scam to your local police, and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Toll-free at 1 888 495-8501. Email info@antifraudcentre.ca