Vernon resident scammed out of thousands of dollars over the phone

VERNON – RCMP are warning the public about yet another scam following an incident with a Vernon resident last week.

The person fell victim to an elaborate phone scam when the caller claimed to be from their bank and told the victim they were conducting an investigation into on-going frauds in the area and requested access to their bank account.

RCMP say after the bank account was accessed, the person was then told to purchase numerous Google Play and grocery store gift cards in varying amounts, in order to "aid" in the investigation. The total cost amounted to thousands of dollars. 

"After a considerable amount of time on the phone with the fraudulent company, the victim grew suspicious and before hanging up the phone attended to their nearest bank to confirm if it was the bank on the other line," Vernon RCMP media liaison officer Const. Kelly Brett said in a media release. "It was then that the victim was directed by bank staff to immediately end the call. Unfortunately, the victim did lose a considerable amount of money to the scam prior to the call ending."

RCMP are advising residents that at no time should banking information be shared over the phone unless you have called your financial institution directly. Police also state that no law enforcement agencies will ever ask for payment to avoid or aid in an investigation. 

For more information on fraud and scams, click here.

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