Online scammers continue to victimize Parksville Qualicum Beach residents.
A resident reported being scammed out of $7,000, responding to a notification asking for banking details and passwords while dealing with an online market site on Nov. 16. Two days earlier, a resident reported being scammed out of $2,100, responding to an online correspondence that they were to receive $57,000 and needed to an e-transfer to start the process. The same day, a resident reported being scammed out of $1,200 by an online offer for a drawing in which a cheque for $1,500 was received by local resident and sender asked for only $1,200. The cheque for $1,500 was later found to be fraudulent. On Nov. 12, a resident reported losing $120 responding to an online offer for space at a craft fair.
Oceanside RCMP received 243 complaints the week of Nov. 11 to Nov. 17. Some of the other incidents included:
A nighttime trespasser was reported in the 500 block of Martindale Road in Parksville on Nov. 11. The same day, a vehicle was reported stolen in the 600 block of Morison Avenue in Parksville. The vehicle was recovered by Nanaimo RCMP on Nov. 12 with one suspect arrested.
On Nov. 12, a car prowler was reported in the 400 block of Pym Street in Parksville. A day later, a number of nighttime trespassers were reported in the 100 block of Hirst Avenue East in the city. On Nov. 14, a grey 2003 Nissan Murano, B.C. plate VF311F, was reported stolen in the area of Bellevue Road and Smithers Road in Parksville.
On Nov. 16, an arsonist was reported responsible for an exterior fire in the 700 block of Memorial Avenue in Qualicum Beach. A day later in Parksville, a blue Simoniz model 2050PSI EPW power washer was stolen and a number of vehicles were reported vandalized with the ignitions damaged in the 900 block of Fairdowne Road in Parksville. Also Nov. 17, a vehicle's rear window was reported broken while travelling on Memorial Avenue and Island Highway West in Qualicum Beach and a perimeter fence was reported damaged in the 900 block of Fairdowne Road in Parksville.
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 in Parksville, with public business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, except holidays.
