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PQB resident reports losing $110K in cryptocurrency scam

Oceanside RCMP also deal with bike thieves, break-and-enters
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Online scammers continue to victimize Parksville Qualicum Beach residents.

On May 21, a resident reported losing more than $110,000 responding to an online advertisement selling cryptocurrency. One day later, another resident reported losing $10,000 responding to a fraudster pretending to be from a bank. The same day, a resident reported losing $500 attempting to purchase footwear online with the catch payment had to be in gift cards.The day after that, another resident reported losing $5,000, responding to a call from a fraudster pretending to be from an online company requesting a payment in cryptocurrency. 

For more information on how to spot a scam and to protect yourself, people can check out the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

The week of May 19 to May 25, Oceanside RCMP received 255 complaints. Some of the other incidents included:

On May 19, a grey Genius bicycle and a blue/black Marin Bob Cale bicycle were reported stolen from a provincial park campsite in the 1200 block of Rath Road in Parksville. The same day, a courier package was reported stolen from a residence in the 600 block of Jones Street in Qualicum Beach. A female suspect was identified from video surveillance.

Also May 19, a vehicle fuel tank was reported drilled while parked at a marina in the 100 block of Burne Road in Bowser.

On May 22, an attempted residential break-and-enter was foiled by the placement of a stick to secure a sliding glass door in the 900 block of Riley Road in Parksville. The same day, another residential break-and-enter was reported with an air rifle, watches and motorcycle helmet missing in the same neighbourhood. A suspect was arrested nearby and charged.

Also May 22, a blue Evo brand adult tricycle was reported stolen overnight in the 200 block of First Avenue West in Qualicum Beach, on May 22. The same day, a nighttime trespasser was reported and apprehended in the 500 block of Temple Street in Parksville.

A white, gold and black 2011 Giant XTR brand mountain bike was reported stolen in the 4300 block of Kelsey Road in Bowser on May 23. Two days later, a brown 2023 Can-Am Maverick ATV, B.C. plate 7D7773, was reported stolen in the 1700 block of Meadowood Way in Qualicum Beach. The same day, a secured cargo trailer containing paddle boards was reported stolen from a fenced compound in the 1200 block of Industrial Way in Parksville. A fence was cut and padlocks cut in the theft.

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.



Philip Wolf

About the Author: Philip Wolf

I’ve been involved with journalism on Vancouver Island for more than 30 years, beginning as a teenage holiday fill-in at the old Cowichan News Leader.
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