iTunes Gift Card Scam

RCMP are working with an Okanagan scam victim to raise public awareness, after a Kelowna resident was defrauded out of about $35,000.

The victim was contacted by an individual, who he thought was from a reputable company offering online support.

“According to the complainant, he was contacted by an individual with a South Asian accent, who falsely claimed they represented a company that had purchased another reputable company,” says RCMP Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey. ” The complainant had recently received online technical support services for his personal computer from that reputable company, so he thought the caller was legitimate.

“Unfortunately, the complainant granted the fraudster access to his computer. He was convinced to purchase tens of thousands of dollars in iTunes cards and then enter the information into his computer. It is reported that the scam artist also managed to access the complaint’s international bank account and remove thousands in funds.”

RCMP say if you are asked to pay for a service or product with an iTunes gift card, don’t follow through as its a scam.

“Report the incident to both your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. It is also not uncommon for fraudsters to impersonate the real Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).”

On its website, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports it has seen an increase in complaints where fraudsters request payment through the purchase of iTunes gift cards.

For more information on frauds and fraud prevention tips, please visit the BC RCMP website at bcrcmp.ca or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at canadianantifraudcentre.ca