Scams

Derek Lints wipes away tears as he speaks about his son Daniel, 17, at his home in Pilot Mound, Man., on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Daniel Lints was sexually exploited online in February and committed suicide as a result. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

“World lost a good person:” Parents warn of global sextortion targeting teens

17-year-old was coerced into sending an explicit image to who he thought was a woman on Snapchat

 

The Abbotsford Police Department is warning about a recent online “romance scam” that saw a local senior lose $270,000. (Photo by Kaitlyn Baker on Unsplash)

Online ‘romance scam’ sees Abbotsford senior lose $270K

Police warn that it’s almost impossible to catch fraudsters in such cases

 

FILE - Shelves typically stocked with baby formula sit mostly empty at a store in San Antonio, Tuesday, May 10, 2022. A massive baby formula recall, combined with COVID-related supply chain problems, is getting most of the blame for the shortage that’s causing distress for many parents across the U.S. But the nation’s formula supply has long been vulnerable to this type of crisis, experts say, due to decades-old rules and policies that have allowed a handful of companies to corner nearly the entire U.S. market. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Scammers taking advantage of baby formula shortages, Better Business Bureau warns

Buyers should be wary of online ads from private sellers saying they have formula available

 

An example of a counterfeit Canadian $100 bank note. (File photo)

Counterfeit bills circulating in North Okanagan

Police have seen numerous fakes since May 5, most of which are Canadian $50 bills

An example of a counterfeit Canadian $100 bank note. (File photo)
Langley RCMP officers handcuffed one man when they searched an SUV and seized a quality of fake gold in Langley City on Wednesday, March 16, in the 20200 block of Fraser Highway. Because the suspect wasn’t caught in the act of selling, he was released without being charged after agreeing to leave the province. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)

B.C. police bust alleged fake gold scam

Following search and seizure, suspect agrees to leave province

Langley RCMP officers handcuffed one man when they searched an SUV and seized a quality of fake gold in Langley City on Wednesday, March 16, in the 20200 block of Fraser Highway. Because the suspect wasn’t caught in the act of selling, he was released without being charged after agreeing to leave the province. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)
FILE - This May 5, 2016, file photo shows Pokemon merchandise. (Mike Lang/Sarasota Herald-Tribune via AP)

2 Pokemon card collectors to get refunds in B.C. online scam case

The Civil Resolution Tribunal ordered Zachary Hall to give full refunds to the buyers

FILE - This May 5, 2016, file photo shows Pokemon merchandise. (Mike Lang/Sarasota Herald-Tribune via AP)
An elderly couple in Nanaimo was defrauded out of nearly $400,000 in a lottery scam, say RCMP. (Stock photo)

B.C. seniors defrauded out of nearly $400,000 in fake lottery scam

Elderly couple regularly sent money orders to pay taxes on their ‘winnings,’ say RCMP

An elderly couple in Nanaimo was defrauded out of nearly $400,000 in a lottery scam, say RCMP. (Stock photo)
(File photo)

Online purchases, dicey cryptocurrency schemes top Better Business Bureau’s riskiest scams

The anti-fraud agency has been tracking fraud trends with their online Scam Tracker since 2015

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Tax scam warning issued to Okanagan residents

‘Canada Revenue Agency’ fraudsters can steal money and identity

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North Okanagan family and Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are warning the public of a brazen type of fraud that resulted in a Coldstream senior losing thousands of dollars. (File photo)

North Okanagan senior bilked of thousands in brazen scam

Phone caller offers fantastic business opportunity, gets address and gives individual ride to bank to withdraw money

North Okanagan family and Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are warning the public of a brazen type of fraud that resulted in a Coldstream senior losing thousands of dollars. (File photo)
Ocean Park residents Gordon and Ester Rice recently lost $8,900 due to a fraud. (Aaron Hinks photo)

Swindler pretends to be grandson, scams B.C. seniors out of $8,900

Surrey RCMP are investigating as couple issues warning to others to be on their guard

Ocean Park residents Gordon and Ester Rice recently lost $8,900 due to a fraud. (Aaron Hinks photo)
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are warning of a scam involving a police impersonator Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. (File photo)

Police impersonator steals thousands from North Okanagan residents

RCMP are warning residents of a scam in which fraudsters claim to be police officers over the phone

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are warning of a scam involving a police impersonator Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. (File photo)
The Better Business Bureau is reminding residents to watch out for holiday scams. (Black Press Media file photo)

Better Business Bureau’s ‘Naughty List’ warns B.C. residents of holiday scams

Fake charities, puppy scams, free gift cards among things to watch out for

The Better Business Bureau is reminding residents to watch out for holiday scams. (Black Press Media file photo)
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are urging residents to be vigilant online after receiving a number of reports of social media scams Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Social media scams prompt warning from North Okanagan RCMP

Vernon police offer tips to guard against fraudsters after Instagram ploy leads to losses

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are urging residents to be vigilant online after receiving a number of reports of social media scams Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
British Columbia residents are being warned of advanced and evolving online cryptocurrency investment scams (Pixabay.com)

British Columbians have lost $3.5M to cryptocurrency scams so far in 2021

Police urging caution as scams are on the rise through social media and online dating platforms

British Columbia residents are being warned of advanced and evolving online cryptocurrency investment scams (Pixabay.com)
Bonnie Ball of Chilliwack, pictured her with her dog Trudy on July 26, 2021, was the victim of a telephone fraud costing her $44,000. (Paul Henderson/ Chilliwack Progress)

Telephone fraudster tricks Fraser Valley senior out of $44,000

Convinced by scammer her grandson was arrested and needed bail money

Bonnie Ball of Chilliwack, pictured her with her dog Trudy on July 26, 2021, was the victim of a telephone fraud costing her $44,000. (Paul Henderson/ Chilliwack Progress)
(Black Press file photo)

EDITORIAL: Curtailing attempts at scams

The true total of losses from all scams and frauds could be much higher than the figures on file

  • Jun 21, 2021
(Black Press file photo)
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How to tell if a call from ‘CRA’ is legitimate or a scam

Expert says it’s important to verify you really are dealing with the CRA before you give out any info

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The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers not to fall for an “every child matters” orange shirt scam that is circulating from a Facebook advertisement. (Website/TeeToro)

T-shirt scammers falsely claim to support Indigenous causes, BBB warns

‘Opportunists trying to take advantage of a horrible tragedy is nothing new,” says Karla Laird

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers not to fall for an “every child matters” orange shirt scam that is circulating from a Facebook advertisement. (Website/TeeToro)
BC Cancer Foundation canvassers are recognizable by their teal vests and ID badges. (Foundation file photo)

B.C. Cancer Foundation canvassers going door-to-door

Residents asked to support monthly donor program, but warned canvassers do not take cash

BC Cancer Foundation canvassers are recognizable by their teal vests and ID badges. (Foundation file photo)