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By Liam Verster
Gift Card Scam

SilverStar targeted in alleged gift card scam

Feb 12, 2025 | 12:10 PM

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP have opened an investigation into an apparent gift card scam at the local ski hill.

Police received a report of numerous gift cards purchased from SilverStar Mountain Resort using a fraudulent credit card. Staff discovered the fraud while looking into a disputed credit card transaction.

Mounties say they were informed of the fraud and launched an investigated, which found that several other gift card purchases were made and could also be fraudulent.

RCMP said there’s reason to believe the gift cards were being sold though online marketplaces and making their way into unsuspecting members of the public.

Police and SilverStar were working together to respond to the ongoing fraud, and wished to inform the public of the scams in an effort to prevent further losses.

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“The cards vary in amount and are real, which makes nearly impossible for buyers to determine their legitimacy at first glance,” Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.

“You’re taking an awfully big risk anytime you purchase a gift card second hand. Our advice is that consumers only purchase gift cards directly from the business or their authorized sellers.”

Anyone who has purchased a SilverStar gift car through an online platform such as Facebook Marketplace was advised to take extra steps to verify its authenticity by contact SilverStar Guest Services at guestservices@skisilverstar.com

Anyone with information about the fraud and the perpetrators was, or anyone who believed they may have purchased a fraudulent gift card, was asked to report it to local police.

by Liam Verster
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