A Parksville Qualicum Beach resident went to police to report being scammed out of $40,000, following instructions from a caller and allowing access to the resident’s devices. Of the funds lost, $10,000 was from a bank account and $30,000 from a line of credit.
The Oct. 28 incident was the latest in a string of scams reported to Oceanside RCMP after PQB residents were victimized.
On Nov. 1, another resident reported being scammed out of $6,000, responding to a unknown text number requesting money be sent by e-transfer to unknown email addresses. One day later, a resident reported being scammed out of $4,000 responding to a person in an online relationship.
During the week of Oct. 28 to Nov. 3, Oceanside RCMP received 234 complaints. Some of the other incidents included:
On Oct. 28, B.C. licence plate VW3555 was reported stolen from a vehicle in Parksville. The same day, a vehicle was reported to have had all four tires punctured in the 6900 block Island Highway West in Bowser.
A vehicle was reported stolen in the 600 block of Eagle Tree Close in Parksville on October 30. The vehicle was recovered by Nanaimo RCMP two days later. Also Oct. 30, Oceanside RCMP reported recovering a vehicle stolen from Courtenay.
In Errington, security cameras were reported vandalized in the 900 block of Englishman River Road on Oct. 30. One day later in Parksville, a vehicle windshield was reported smashed in the 200 block of Craig Street.
On Nov. 1, an RDN residential black garage bin was reported stolen with contents emptied onto road in the 1200 block of Augusta Close in Parksville. The same day, 14 grey totes were reported stolen from behind a business in the 800 block of Island Highway West.
A generator valued at more than $12,000 was reported stolen from a fish hatchery in the 1300 block of Claymore Road in Qualicum Beach on Nov. 2. A bicycle was reported stolen after a chain was cut, in the 1400 block of Alberni Highway in Parksville, also Nov. 2. The same day, fireworks were reported being set off in the 100 block of Moilliet Street North.
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. Public business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, except holidays.
