Skip to content

Crime report: Phone scammers bilk PQB residents out of thousands of dollars

One fraudster claimed to be calling from U.S., representing Canadian bank
27413801_web1_210915-PQN-crime-report-logo_1
(File photo)

Oceanside RCMP received 234 complaints the week of Nov. 15 to Nov. 21.

Some of those incidents included:

Nov. 15

• A trespasser was reported in the 1200 block of Valley Road, Parksville.

• The door of an electrical panel was removed and power was shut off to residences in the 1100 block of Smithers Road, Parksville.

• A trespasser was reported in the 500 block of Stanford Avenue East, Parksville.

Nov. 16

• Two trespassers were reported in the 600 block of Island Highway East, Parksville.

• A resident was reported scammed out of thousands of dollars by a person allegedly calling from Maryland, USA, claiming to be calling on behalf of a major Canadian bank. The fraudster got the resident to buy prepaid credit cards and forward the card numbers as well as the security PINs resulting in a financial loss.

• A B.C. licence plate was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 300 block of Island Highway East, Parksville. Plate was recovered by Nanaimo RCMP on Nov. 26.

• An Ocean Rodeo brand water board was found on Columbia Beach, Parksville. Contact Oceanside RCMP during regular business hours to claim.

• A custom bicycle was reported stolen in the 800 block of Island Highway West, Parksville. Video surveillance was obtained and being reviewed.

• A business break-and-enter was reported in the 500 block of Stanford Avenue East, Parksville. Missing was a Honda 2000 generator, gas can and five rolls of copper wire.

• An electric scooter was reported stolen in the 300 block of Island Highway West, Parksville. It was recovered a short distance away in some bushes.

READ MORE: RCMP: ‘Significant’ amount of money found in downtown Qualicum Beach

Nov. 17

• A resident was reported scammed out of thousands of dollars by a caller claiming to be from a Canadian bank asking to purchase prepaid credit cards and to provide card numbers as well as PINs.

• A hiking backpack with survival and camping gear valued at $400 was reported stolen in the 100 block of Hirst Avenue West, Parksville.

• An iPhone 7+ was found in the 200 block of Higson Crescent, Qualicum Beach. Contact Oceanside RCMP during regular business hours to claim.

• A black 2006 Ford F-350, B.C. licence plate RE8080, was reported stolen in the area of Hilliers Road and Alberni Highway, Whiskey Creek. Contents of vehicle included climbing gear.

Nov. 18

• A storage unit break-and-enter was reported in the 100 block of Fern Road, Qualicum Beach, on November 18. Missing was some First Nations art.

• A business break-and-enter was reported in the 2700 block of Island highway West, Qualicum Beach. A change box and liquor were missing.

Nov. 19

• Change and insurance papers were reported stolen from a vehicle in the 100 block of McCarter Street, Parksville.

• A quantity of money was found in the 1300 block of Island Highway West, Parksville. Contact Oceanside RCMP during regular business hours to claim.

• B.C. licence plate UMX78D was reported stolen from a trailer in the 3000 block of Pearce Place, Qualicum Beach.

• A grey Norco mountain bike was found in the area of Arbutus Drive and Madrona Drive, Nanoose Bay. Contact Oceanside RCMP during regular business hours to claim.

Nov. 20

• A blue 2006 Suzuki DL650 motorcycle, B.C. licence plate L86068, was reported stolen in the 1700 block of Cameron Crescent, Qualicum Beach.

If you see a crime in progress, call 911. The Oceanside RCMP non-emergency number is 250-248-6111 (extension 7). The detachment is located at 421 Pym St. North, Parksville, with public business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., Monday to Friday, except holidays.

— NEWS Staff, submitted

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter 



About the Author: Parksville Qualicum Beach News Staff

Read more