Victim loses ‘thousands’ in phone scam

RCMP say a North Okanagan resident lost a significant amount of money after falling victim to an elaborate phone scam.

Police say the scammers claimed to be from the victim’s bank and were investigating recent frauds and requested access to the person’s bank account when they called last week.

“After the bank account was accessed, the victim was convinced that fraudulent activity may have taken place within their account. The victim was then directed to purchase numerous Google Play gift cards, from two different grocery stores in varying amounts, which ended up totalling thousands of dollars to “aid” in the investigation,” said Const. Kelly Brett.

After considerable time on the phone with the scammer, the victim grew suspicious.

“Before hanging up the phone (the person) attended to their nearest bank to confirm if it was the bank on the other line. 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,” added Brett.

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RCMP say banking information should never be given over the phone to anyone, unless you have called the bank directly yourself.

“If a banking institution should call you, advise them that you will call back using a number found on-line by you, or a number given to you previously by your bank,” added the constable and media relations officer for the detachment.