Parksville Qualicum Beach residents continue to be victimized by online scammers.
Several more reports were made to police last month. On April 15, a resident reported losing $20,000 in a cryptocurrency scam after responding to an online advertisement and chatting with a person through a social media platform. The next day, another resident reported losing $10,000 investing in a cryptocurrency scam after viewing a testimonial advertisement online. Also April 16, a resident reported losing $300 responding to an email from an alleged friend asking to purchase gift cards.
On April 17, another resident reported losing $6,000 through a number of transactions which appear to be the work of someone having gained access to their online banking account. The same day, a resident reported losing approximately $500 in an e-transfer scam; and another resident reported being scammed out of $1,135, responding to a phone call offering to recover cryptocurrency and asking for a driver’s licence as well as other banking information.
“If anyone ever receives an unsolicited phone call or email offering an investment opportunity, immediately hang up or delete the email. It is a scam,” Oceanside RCMP Sgt. Shane Worth told the PQB News earlier this month. “If you are looking to invest, ask friends and family for advice or recommendations, conduct your own research, and always use a reputable financial advisor, bank or broker.”
During the week of April 14 to April 20, Oceanside RCMP received 269 complaints. Some of the other incidents included:
On April 14, a resident reported an attempted theft of a vehicle in the 900 block of Island Highway East in Parksville. The same day, a Stihl chainsaw MS261, Yamaha F25 portable outboard motor and Honda inverter 2000 were some of the items reported stolen from a portable trailer in the 3500 block of Dolphin Drive in Nanoose Bay. A skid steer Bobcat was reported vandalized in the 3100 block of Sundew Place in Nanoose Bay, also on April 14.
An unlocked vehicle was rummaged through in the 300 block of Dunsmuir Road in Qualicum Beach, on April 15. The same day, a wallet was reported stolen from another unlocked vehicle in the 4600 block of Maple Guard Drive in Bowser.
Also April 15, a vehicle was reported to have caused $4,000 in damage to a recently gravelled parking lot at the Parksville Community Park. A person was identified and all parties agreed to restorative justice rather than the courts.
On April 18, a garage door opener and sunglasses were reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 200 block of Elm Avenue in Qualicum Beach.
If you see a crime in progress phone 911. The Oceanside RCMP non-emergency number is 250-248-6111 and the detachment is located at 421 Pym Street North, Parksville, with public business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, except holidays.