North Okanagan residents warned of scammers

VERNON – Asked for money by phone, email, or in person, it doesn’t matter to the police — they’re reminding you to be cautious when handing over your cash.

RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says the detachment receives around a dozen calls from people scammed out of their money every week. 

“We are reminding people again to be aware that scams are out there all the time and to not let your guard down,” Molendyk says.

Rampant schemes include the West Jet and grandparent scams, and fraudulent calls from so-called computer tech support people. But there are countless other tactics scammers will try as well, so it’s best to keep your wits about you, Molendyk says.

“They keep dreaming up ways to get your money."

Another popular scheme involves someone knocking on your door and offering to do odd jobs — with the condition of being paid in advance for the work.

Molendyk says the best thing you can do is ask questions. If a ‘lawyer’ calls insisting you wire them money to bail your grandkid out of jail, do what you can to verify the person is legitimate. Ask questions only your grandkid would know the answer to.

For more information or to report a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 -888-495-8501.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.