Sunshine Coast RCMP say several coastal residents have lost an estimated combined total of approximately $500,000 in scams.
Police say the most common scams are coming from people claiming to be with financial institutions, Canada Revenue Agency, the police or family members in trouble. RCMP warns people the incidents usually start with ‘agencies’ claiming their account has been compromised, they owe money in taxes, or their family needs help.
A Halfmoon Bay resident was promised $25 million and a new car if they sent a $500 Visa gift card and a cheque for $50,000 to the scammer.
In Gibsons a resident said in an RCMP media release, they received a call from a male scammer, who allegedly worked for Bitcoin, and was able to convince him to send a $3,000 e-transfer.
A Sechelt resident said they sent several cheques to what they believed was for the IRA and the CRA to cover taxes and claim a $750,000 prize.
