Kamloops RCMP warning public after resident scammed out of $4,000

KAMLOOPS – Police in Kamloops are warning the public about a scam after an individual recently lost $4,000.

It all started when the victim was contacted by a man over the phone claiming to be employed by the security department of a major Canadian bank, according to a Kamloops RCMP news release.

Police say the man told the victim to use credit cards to purchase Apple gift cards and then use a downloaded computer program to scan and upload the card’s information into the program.

The victim was told they would be reimbursed by the bank.

When the reimbursement did not appear in the victim’s account, they contacted the bank, which advised that it was a scam.

“Banks will never request that their customers purchase gift cards of any kind,” Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says in a news release. “If you are unsure if a phone call, letter or email is a scam, check with the bank by contacting them yourself. Look up the bank’s phone number independently or go in person.”

Police say the public should be aware of potential scams through phone calls, texts and emails.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Karen Edwards or call (250) 819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.