Vernon resident scammed out of ‘thousands of dollars’ in phone scam: RCMP

The RCMP is again warning people to be incredibly vigilant after a Vernon resident was scammed out of thousands of dollars from someone pretending to be from their bank investigating fraud.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, the con artists phoned the resident and pretended to be from their bank saying they were conducting an investigation into on-going frauds in the area and requested access to their bank account.

Once accessed, the scammers convinced the resident fraudulent activity had taken place on their account and instructed them to purchase numerous Google Play gift cards, at the cost of thousands of dollars.

"This is yet another reminder that no Financial or Government institution will request payments to be made in the form of gift cards," Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett said in the release. "It is extremely unfortunate that this particular individual lost a considerable amount of money to this scam as the actions are irreversible by their financial institution."

The RCMP is warning residents that at no time should banking information be given over the phone to anyone unless you call the bank directly. If the bank calls, advise them that you will call back, using a number found online or a number given to you previously by your bank.

For more information from the RCMP about protecting yourself against fraud go here.

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