Scam alert
Police are warning the public to be on alert after noting a marked increase in the number of people being contacted by telephone scam artists.
Frank Burnett, a Powell River resident whose wife recently died, was victimized by thieves on June 1 when he was told that his brother-in-law was in jail in Vancouver and needed bail money. He lost close to $1,500.
“I was too hasty,” said Burnett. “It had to be done now and they kept phoning back to me.” He hopes that if more people know what happened to him, it will be harder for people to be tricked.
Powell River RCMP constable Tim Kenning said there are many variations on the scam, including targeting grandparents, but the common factor is that the caller wants money to be sent through Western Union or Money Gram.
“The caller goes on to say that they are in some kind of trouble and need money immediately,” said Kenning.
Appreciation barbecue
Some residents of Powell River were looking for an opportunity to express their appreciation to those who work to make this community a safe place. The desire was precipitated by the recent tragedy in Moncton, New Brunswick, where three RCMP officers were killed while on duty.
A free community appreciation barbecue is being held from 11 am to 2 pm on Friday, June 20, at the RCMP Detachment on Barnet Street. It is an opportunity to say thank you to the RCMP, firefighters, paramedics as well as search and rescue personnel, according to one of the organizers.
