Powell River RCMP reported the following for April 23 to 30, 2018
Total calls for service: 111
Impaired driving: 4
Theft: 6
Mischief: 2
Assault: 4
Monday, April 30
Powell River RCMP wish to warn the public of fraudulent phone calls they may receive in regard to tax season. Some members of the public have received phone calls from persons identifying themselves as Canada Revenue Agency employees. These unknown individuals ask for personal information or threaten to arrest the person if payment is not forwarded. Most callers ask for iTunes or gaming cards as a form of payment.
Other fraudulent calls involve an unknown recording which states something to the effect of, “this is the internet, your computer is being compromised by a virus.” The recording then follows up with specific instructions that should never be followed.
Another fraudulent phone scam involves an unknown person calling and offering free money. Be aware that this is a fraud and once these individuals have someone’s personal information, they can commit further fraud activities in that name.
Police, the criminal justice system and government agencies do not accept items such as steam cards and iTunes cards for payment. Never give out an address and date of birth over the phone to an unknown caller.
If anyone encounters such a phone call, they should report the incident to RCMP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1.888.495.8501 or antifraudcentre.ca.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com.
