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RCMP Report: Fraudsters target Clearwater

Last week appeared to be Fraud Week in Clearwater. It was a good reminder as to how easy it is to become the victim of a scam or identity theft

Last week appeared to be Fraud Week in Clearwater. It was a good reminder as to how easy it is to become the victim of a scam or identity theft.

The RCMP encourages residents to do a little digging and use the Internet as a tool if they suspect they are being targeted for a fraud. Chances are good that other people have fallen victim to the same scam. Another case during the week showed the potential consequences of not keeping control of discarded mail.

The RCMP received a number of reports about the “Emergency” or “Grandparent” scam during the week.

With this particular scam, a fraudster obtains an email contact list and sends out emails or phone calls asking for money. The scam has a number of variations - a fraudster asks for bail money, money for medical services or money needed because of unforeseen circumstances, or a fraudster might claim to be a grandchild.

If an email such as this is received, the RCMP encourages people to do a little research. Try to contact the person claiming to need help before sending out any money. In most cases, it is not difficult to determine if it’s a scam.

Secondly, there were a number of reports from concerned residents about a security company canvassing the neighborhoods.

Again, the RCMP encourages people to do a little research before making commitments to a contract or forwarding any money. It is likely that if a business is selling a service or a product, it will take your money today, tomorrow or next week. This allows you time to research your investment. A quick Internet search might be able to answer your questions and have you keep your money where it belongs.

A legitimate company should be able to provide brochures, business cards or contact information with an email other than ‘hotmail.com’ or ‘gmail.com,’ etc.

Thirdly, a number of people received phone calls from computer companies wishing to scan a their computers for corruption or viruses. The company might use a legitimate name and ask to install software onto your computer.

The RCMP urge people to be careful. This type of phone call has been confirmed as a scam and a concern.

Installing software from the company might allow a person remote access to your computer, which would mean they could access your computer without you knowing it!

Police seize mail

On Thursday, Aug. 18, and with the help of other concerned residents, the RCMP seized a large amount of mail, some false ID’s, credit cards, drugs and stolen electronics from a residence in Clearwater.

The mail was in the names of over 100 different people from the Okanagan and Vancouver Island. There was evidence of a number of break and enters in those areas.

Given the circumstances, charges are unlikely. However, hats off to the few people that were willing to put themselves out there and help recover the stolen property. With the information received, cases of identity theft have been confirmed and countless others have been prevented.

All lit up ...

As many people have noticed, it is starting to get darker earlier in the evening. As such, please make sure that you take the proper precautions when out on your evening walks. Things like reflective vests and flashlights used in the name of safety and as a courtesy to motorists would be a good idea.