Three similar cases of fraud reported last week have West Shore RCMP reminding residents to be careful when giving personal information.
The victims were contacted either by phone or email from persons claiming to be with Canada Revenue Agency’s Service Canada and asking for specific information such as social insurance numbers, banking information and more.
“(The fraudsters) are asking for specific information that people from government agencies would not ask for,” said West Shore RCMP Cpl. Kathy Rochlitz. “Things that help criminals conduct identity theft.”
If residents are contacted with requests for information, Rochlitz suggested they “find the number and phone the actual agency back and confirm that they are in fact actually asking for that information.”
In two of the three cases, people did relay their personal details. “It’s a timely reminder to not give out any personal information,” Rochlitz said.
Anyone who believes they have or may have been contacted by the ‘phishing’ scheme can call the detachment at 250-474-2264, or the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Poppy box stolen from Pharmasave
A poppy donation box was stolen from the Langford Pharmasave on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
West Shore RCMP are looking for a female suspect aged between 25 and 35, approximately five feet five inches with blond hair.
“(Staff) noted someone moving the poppy box and then the next thing it was gone,” said Cpl. Kathy Rochlitz.
“This is a time for us to pay our respects and this completely disregards those that have served our country.”
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident can call the detachment at 250-474-2264, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
acowan@goldstreamgazette.com