A Parksville Qualicum Beach resident has reported losing $150,000 in a cryptocurrency scam, where a domain name similar to a legitimate platform was used after doing a web search on May 2.
It is the latest in a series of online scams victimizing PQB residents. Another resident reported on May 1 that they lost $13,000 investing in a cryptocurrency scam after answering a phone call back in February. On April 29, a resident reported losing $100 responding to an online ad to purchase furniture.
"Residents are urged to use extreme caution when investing, particularly over the internet or as a result of unsolicited phone calls or emails offering extraordinary investment opportunities and returns," Oceanside RCMP Sgt. Shane Worth told the PQB News after another recent scam was reported. "Always use a trusted and reputable financial advisor, company or broker when investing."
During they week of April 28 to May 4, Oceanside RCMP received 283 complaints. Some of the other incidents included:
On April 28, six Creosote 10-inch x 10-inch 18-foot bridge beams were stolen from an industrial compound in the Tralee Road and Chatsworth Road area in Qualicum Beach. Stolen materials were recovered nearby. The same day, a barbecue propane talk was reported stolen from a yard in the 300 block of Clarkson Place in Parksville.
A break-and-enter at an independent school was reported, with nothing noted missing in the 800 block of Hilliers Road South in Qualicum Beach on April 29. A person was identified and referred to restorative justice. Also April 29, two bikes, a white Santa Cruz mountain bike and a brown Giant mountain bike, secured with locks, were reported stolen in the 100 block of Cheney Street in Parksville.
An E-bike was reported stolen in the 300 block of Island Highway West in Parksville on April 29. It was recovered and returned to owner by Oceanside RCMP on May 8. An outdoor basketball hoop/net/backboard were reported vandalized at a public schoolyard in the 600 block of Bennett Road in Qualicum Beach. The school was quoted $3,000 to repair the damage. Suspects have been identified and the investigation is ongoing. Also April 29. a yellow. 100-litre garbage can was reported stolen from a business in the 400 block of Island Highway East in Parksville.
On April 30, a wallet was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 3900 block of Bovanis Road in Bowser. On day later, a Milwaukee drill and battery were reported stolen by a daytime female prowler in the 300 block of Martindale Road in Parksville.
On May 2, a resident reported losing $1,100 buying imitation gold from a motorist in the 200 block of Second Avenue West in Qualicum Beach. The same day, both B.C. licence plates WL720D were reported stolen form a vehicle in the 800 block of Allsbrook Road in Parksville.
On May 3, a Dewalt drill, Cosco heated blanket and a Ryobi portable pump were some of the items reported stolen from a garage in the 100 block of Cooper Place in Parksville. The same day, a community mailbox was reported vandalized and compartments opened in the area of Crosley Road and Island Highway West in Bowser. On May 4, real estate signs and private mailboxes were reported vandalized in the Ocean Trail area in Bowser.
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.
