Don’t be fooled: RCMP issue warning about latest scam

RCMP are warning the public to be aware of a scam following an incident in the parking lot of a chain store in Salmon Arm.

Salmon Arm RCMP Staff Sgt. Scott West said in a press release police responded to a complaint of theft from a purse and fraudulent use of credit cards on Aug. 16 in the parking lot of a local store.

A man distracted a woman who was loading groceries into her car by asking her if she had lost something near the front of the vehicle. Police believe an accomplice stole a number of credit cards and bank cards from her purse during the distraction.

The woman noticed the cards missing a short time later, but not before thieves had spent hundreds of dollars using the cards.

RCMP continue to investigate the incident.

West cautions the public to be wary of someone approaching them in a parking lot with an urgent excuse that might divert their attention from the task at hand.

"If they encroach on your personal space yell at them to 'back away' to attract attention," he says in the release. "Lock valuables in your vehicle with the windows rolled up and hang onto your keys in your hand."

“If you want to investigate, do so with extreme caution, but do not let people into your car or go near another car."

And West says you can call 911 at any time.

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