If you see a crime in progress CALL 911

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre phone 1 888 495 8501

West Kelowna RCMP Non-Emergency phone 250-768-2880

The following information on Crime Prevention, Fraud and Scams is thanks to;

Roy Morgan ISCPP

BC Block Watch Coordinator

Crime Prevention Coordinator / RCMP Support Services

Regional District of Central Okanagan

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

How to avoid getting scammed on Facebook Marketplace

• Do a little research. With any transaction, always take the time to verify who you’re talking to. check a seller’s profile for negative reviews and avoiding newly created accounts with no reviews.

• Pay for items through Facebook. Using the official payment and shipping methods will protect your money if something goes wrong.

• Get a tracking number. If you’re receiving an item by mail, request a shipping tracking number. Of course, also make sure to use Facebook Checkout to protect your purchase.

• Meet the seller in person, if possible. Use Facebook Marketplace’s filters to narrow your search to the items available for local pickup and meet the seller in person so you can examine the product before paying.

• Don’t pay for an item before receiving it. Instead, exchange the money and the item at the same time. For safety reasons, make sure this is in a well-lit, visible, and public location.

• Don’t go to a meetup alone. When meeting a seller in person, Facebook suggests bringing another person with you or sharing your meeting plan with a friend or family member.

• Decline overpayments. Also request that all payments go through Facebook-approved channels. (Again, Facebook Checkout is your best bet here.)

• Don’t share sensitive information. In most instances, you should never give out your bank account, credit card, social security number, date of birth or phone number. If someone is asking for these things, be on guard.

Please continue to be vigilant.

report suspicious activities ON FACEBOOK to the police.

OCTOBER 9, 2024

HELPING TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT

Below is some information supplied by the Better Business Bureau regarding prevention of Identity Theft.

How identity theft scams work: 

How do people steal your identity? With enough personal information, a scammer can pretend to be you and commit many crimes.

• They can make false applications for loans and credit cards, withdraw money from your bank account, or obtain services in your name.

• They can also sell your information to others on the Internet.

Protect yourself from cybercrimes like identity theft and phishing attempts with tips from the Better Business Bureau:

• Use strong passwords or passphrases. Avoid using your birth date, child’s name or birth date, mother’s maiden name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or obvious ones like “123456” or “password.”

• Change your passwords frequently.

• Use different passwords for each online account or website.

• Be careful about the types of information you share online, especially if it is information that could be used to get past security questions on your accounts (things like your first car, first pet’s name, city where you were born)

• Shred outdated documents with personal information. While you should keep your tax returns forever, you should shred supporting documents for your tax returns after seven years.

• After one-year, shred bank statements, pay stubs, and medical bills (unless you have an unresolved insurance dispute). Shred utility bills a month after they had been paid.

Tips to spot this type of scam

• Look for unexplained withdrawals, charges, and accounts. Review your bank account and credit card statements regularly. Look for unfamiliar charges, accounts, or withdrawals.

• Know when your bills are due; one tip-off for identity theft is when you stop receiving certain bills. This can happen because scammers have changed the address associated with your bank account or credit card.

• If bills don’t arrive on time, follow up with your creditors. Debt collectors may call you about debts that aren’t yours.

• You can also set up automatic alerts on your accounts, so you are notified every time a transaction is made.

Please continue to be a good vigilant neighbour and report suspicious activities in your community to the police.

AUGUST 26, 2024

This scam is starting to show up

According to police, fraudsters are impersonating financial institutions and claiming the victim's bank account has been compromised.

• Fraudsters will then claim the victim must send an Interac e-transfer to their own cellphone number in order for the victim to protect their account until a new debit card is issued.

• The suspect provides the e-transfer question and answer that the victim must use for the transfer.

• Once the victim sends the transaction, suspects will ask the victim for a "code," which is the last portion of the Interac e-transfer URL/link received.

• If the victim provides the URL, suspects will have the ability to deposit the funds into their own account.

Police urge the public not to assume that phone numbers appearing on your call display are accurate, and if you are to receive a call and answer it, to advise the caller that you will call them back.

In that instance, police say you should call the number on the back of your bank card from a different phone or wait ten minutes before making the outgoing call.

Police add that they should never provide details of links or URLs received via text or email and should not share codes with anyone.

This scam could also be used with any payment system such as a credit card, Pay Pal etc.

AUGUST 22, 2024

Kelowna RCMP is warning the public about a new scam that appears to be making the rounds on Facebook Marketplace. Police say several people in the Okanagan have fallen victim to the scam, where the victim is the seller.

Note:

In this scam the potential buyer offers to pay full price for the item and claims they will e-transfer the funds to the seller, asking them to check their email for a notification.

When the email arrives, there is a link that takes the seller to a legitimate-looking bank webpage.

The seller is then asked to enter their banking information along with their phone number to receive a verification code through a text message.

“DO NOT DO GIVE YOUR BANKING INFORMATION!”

Once all the information is entered the scammers can gain direct access to the victim’s bank account and transfer funds out.

“This is an extremely sophisticated scam that is a variation of the one-time passcode scam,” says Sgt. Laura Pollock, Kelowna RCMP media relations officer.

“We encourage you to make your marketplace exchanges in public locations with security cameras.”

If you have been the victim of a fraud or scam you are asked to call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.

Please continue to be good vigilant neighbours and stay alert for scams.

AUGUST 12, 2024

There are several things you can do to prevent auto crime.

Below you will find some tips on what you can do to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of theft from auto.

• Keep your spare keys in your wallet, not in your car.

• Invest in a good anti-theft device. These include steering wheel locks, auto engine shut offs,  satellite tracking devices, window etching and car alarms.

• Close windows and lock doors. Take your possessions with you.

• Never leave valuables in your car (especially visible and on your seat) as they provide too much temptation for potential thieves.

• Never leave your car keys unattended (e.g. in a gym locker); always try and keep your keys with you.

• Never leave your vehicle unattended while it warms up – even for just for a minute.

• Don’t leave the holder for your GPS unit (or other handheld devices) visible as it may alert thieves that valuables may be stored in your car (e.g., glove box).

• At home, install motion sensor lights, light your driveway all night or park in a well-lit area near a pedestrian traffic area.

• After opening an automatic gate to underground parking, watch out for thieves waiting to slip inside. Wait for the gate to close behind you.

• Avoid parking behind fences or hedges.

• If you see any suspicious person or activity near a vehicle, call the police immediately.

Please continue to be a good vigilant neighbour in your community.

MAY 3, 2024

Let’s all work together to prevent thefts from motor vehicles.

Please don’t let your guard down and let’s always protect your vehicle and property inside.

Below are the most popular items reported stolen from vehicles, 

• Cell/Smartphones

• Personal electronics-tablets, laptops, iPod, GPS

• Works tools

• Handbags and gym bags

• Credit cards and identification.

• Stereo equipment

• Cash and loose change.

• Car parts and accessories

• Garage door openers.

• Sunglasses

• Keys

What we can do

Remember most vehicle crime is opportunist.

• Don’t give thieves a chance.

• Lock doors and close windows and sunroof.

• Remove possessions from your vehicle.

• Never leave items on display

• Put anything that could tempt a thief in the trunk.

Remember you are “Eyes and Ears” for the RCMP in your communities,

Keep up all the great work you do and be a good vigilant neighbor.

APRIL 24, 2024

Here is a reminder to please have a prominent displayed House / Property number. 

These can be displayed on your home or posted on your driveway, clearly visible.

• Having correct house numbers posted has become extremely important. 

• These numbers are vitally important to Emergency service personal.

• Emergency vehicles depend on these numbers for references during a response.

• Wasting precious minutes looking for an address could be the difference between life or death. 

• Please place your house number in a way that they are most visible to approaching vehicles.

• Use large fluorescent numbers and mount them high enough so they cannot be covered by snow or brush.

• Cut back any overhanging branches or foliage. 

Be a good vigilant neighbor.

HELLO Block Watch members, and Casa Loma Residents

 Following are number of scams to watch for:

MARCH 26, 2024

Staff at the Ministry of Finance’s Corporate Accounting Services issued an alert about the website, warning people to make payments only ever on www.pay.gov.bc.ca.

 An identical fake website has been created by malicious actors to potentially steal personal and/or credit card information," says a spokesperson. "We have recently become aware of phishing attempts against PayBC users."

 People should never share information without verifying the legitimacy of the website.

 "Please be vigilant against phishing attempts,” states the ministry. "Do not click on unfamiliar links received via text or email that ask for your personal or credit card information."

 The scam first comes in the form of a text message, stating "Your vehicle was detected by our speed monitoring camera exceeding the speed limit."

 It continues to say that the driver was travelling "41 km/h in a school zone" and to "please visit" the provided link before a certain date. 

 Glacier Media has seen the scammers use two different numbers: 263-770-6026 in the Lower Mainland and 263-700-6046 in Kamloops. 

 After clicking the link, a website is launched with the exact same logo, font, colour scheme and pay system that PayBC uses. The website then asks for private information such as name, birth date and address.

 The fake website reads “To settle your infraction without a court date, please visit our online site.”

 It claims the total amount due is 20.38$, with the dollar amount inaccurately placed at the end. 

 Speeding in a school zone has a minimum fine starting at $196 in B.C., not $20.38.

MARCH 25, 2024

Please don’t believe every email or text message you receive.

 Below is an example of how these types of phishing scams work.

 A fraudster posed as my Internet service provider and told me that they needed to refund an overpayment that I’d made to my account.

 I was told to click on a link via text to retrieve my money. The next day, I saw that hundreds of dollars were missing from my account.

 That’s when it sunk in that they’d stolen my banking information.”

 In this kind of situation, refrain from answering messages of this sort or clicking on attached links, and never give out your personal and banking details via email or text message.

 When in doubt, phone the company that is requesting the information. 

 Please continue to be a good vigilant neighbour in your community.

 MARCH 22, 2024

 What to do if you’re a victim of fraud

 If your information has been leaked and you think you're at risk, you can contact your bank.

 They’re there to advise you and to tell you what you can do. Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and monthly statements.

 As soon as you notice anything fraudulent, report the bank fraud by quickly contacting your financial institution by using the number to call on the back of your debit or credit card.

 Your bank will freeze this card to prevent other fraudulent transactions from going through and issue a refund as soon as possible, after they’ve made the necessary verifications.

 They will also investigate related to this case of fraud.

 Take care and be safe,

 Continue to be a good vigilant neighbour and report suspicious activities to the police and your neighbours.

 MARCH 18, 2024

 Please see below the Top Ten Fraud, Cons & Scams from the Better Business Bureau for 2023

 #1 is Investment / cryptocurrency scams.

The median loss for an individual was above $9,000, and 8 out of every 10 people fell for the scam after they were targeted by it.

Here are the top 10 scams in 2023:

1. Investment / cryptocurrency (⬆)

2. Employment (⬆)

3. Home improvement (⬇)

4. Advance fee loan (⬇)

5. Online purchase (⬆)

6. Romance (👀 new entry!)

7. Phishing (⬆)

8. Travel/vacation/timeshare (⬆)

9. Credit card (⬇)

10. Tech support (👀 new entry!)

 Please be very careful and take your time in responding to requests you receive from online social media accounts, your emails, text & phone calls.

 Be a good vigilant neighbour and report suspicious activity to the police.

 MARCH 12, 2024

 The month of March is Canada wide Fraud awareness month, and the time to begin declaring and filing our taxes is almost here.

 Knowing what to expect when Canada Revenue Agency contacts you can help you tell the difference between real communications from the CRA and scams.

 Legitimate CRA employees will identify themselves when they call you, providing you with their name and a callback phone number.

 When the CRA has a message or document for your attention, they notify you by email if something is available for you to view in your CRA account, which you access by using CRA's sign-in services.

 It’s just as important to know what the CRA won’t do when contacting you.

 The CRA will never demand immediate payment by e-transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid credit cards or gift cards.

Their call centre agents won’t threaten you with arrest, deportation or sending the police.

The CRA doesn’t leave voicemails that include personal or financial information.

They will never email or text you a link to get your refund.

If you are ever unsure and want to confirm if the CRA contacted you, hang up and contact the CRA:

 In the provinces:

 Individuals: 1-800-959-8281

 Businesses: 1-800-959-5525

 Please continue to be good vigilant neighbours.

 FEBRUARY 29, 2024

 Here are some Crime Prevention tips below to recognize a scam.

•  If that special offer has any of these features, it may be a scam:

•  it sounds too good to be true.

• you must pay or you can't play.

• you are asked to pay a fine or owed taxes by Apple / Google gift cards.

• you must give them your private financial information.

• you are asked to wire transfer money.

• You must pay the taxes or an admin fee to release a prize you have won.

For your protection:

•  Do not rush into something involving your money or your property.

• Never give your credit card numbers or any other personal information out over the phone unless you are sure of who you are dealing with.

• Do not hesitate to check the credentials of a salesman or public official.

If you receive a suspicious phone call or email from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - question it!

Please keep reporting suspicious activity to the police.

UPDATE MARCH 5, 2024

To the residents of Casa Loma. 

Please see below media release today by RCMP. 

Kelowna RCMP needs the public's help to identify a woman believed to be involved as a suspect in a recent 'grandparent' scam. 

• The suspect was last seen leaving a building in the 1300 block of Ellis Street in downtown Kelowna after meeting with an elderly woman to pick up money. 

• The elderly victim says she was contacted on the phone by someone identifying themselves as 'Sergeant Ashley Olsen' telling her that her grandson had been arrested and that she needed to pay a bond for her grandson to be released. 

• The suspect instructed her to withdraw a large sum of money from her bank and that someone would come by her home and collect the money. 

• The suspect indicated the money would be returned within 24 hours and that this unusual process was being followed for her convenience. 

• The victim followed through on the request and the money exchange was arranged and completed at 11:30 a.m. on February 9, 2024. 

• The suspect met with the elderly woman in the front lobby of her residence and the money was exchanged. 

• If that wasn't bad enough, the suspect phoned the victim a second-time hours later asking for more money. 

• As the victim tried to make another withdrawal, a bank employee recognized what was happening and alerted the victim that she was being scammed. 

The female suspect is described as:

• Approximately 25-30 years old 

• Believed to be of Latin descent. 

• Long dark coloured hair 

• Strong eyebrows 

• Black coloured leggings, black boots, denim coloured shirt. 

RCMP are once again reminding the public that these types of frauds are common and they advise the public to be vigilant and double-check any information they are given. 

"When confronted with a similar scam, reach out to family immediately to confirm the legitimacy of their claim and then phone the police if there is still some concern," says a news release from RCMP. 

Police encourage the public to report all attempted frauds to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre at 1-800-495-8501 as they link several crimes together in Canada and abroad helping with prevention and awareness efforts. 

If you recognize the individual in the photograph, you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP detachment at 250-762-3300 and give the file number 2024-7013. 

You can also make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477

UPDATED MARCH 4, 2024

March is Fraud Prevention Month.

a time for us all to recognize, reject and report fraud.

This month, Police and partners agencies across Canada are increasing awareness of frauds.

By raising awareness this month and providing tips and education for the public to use to better protect themselves so they don't become victims. 

Common email scams; 

• Nigerian Letter Scams , also referred to as "advance fee fraud," involves scammers asking for help with a transfer of money overseas.

• They often claim to be from a lawyer or bank representative advising of a huge inheritance.

• Do not receive or cash any payments by cheque or money-order.

• The amounts are usually an overpayment, and the scammer asks for a refund of funds before the victim discovers the cheque or money order has bounced.

Furthermore, never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know or trust. 

Other popular email scams involve lotteries, contests, pyramid schemes, money transfer requests, dating scams, employment scams or health and medical scares. 

Please be very careful before you reply to any of these mentioned emails coming into your inbox, if unsure, DELETE!! 

Continue to be a good, vigilant neighbour and report all possible Fraud, Cons & Scams incidents to the RCMP.

Hope everyone doing well and being good vigilant neighbours. 

Here are some Crime Prevention tips below to recognize a scam. 

• If that special offer has any of these features, it may be a scam:

• it sounds too good to be true.

• you must pay or you can't play.

• you are asked to pay a fine or owed taxes by Apple / Google gift cards.

• you must give them your private financial information.

• you are asked to wire transfer money.

• You must pay the taxes or an admin fee to release a prize you have won.

For your protection: 

• Do not rush into something involving your money or your property.

• Never give your credit card numbers or any other personal information out over the phone unless you are sure of who you are dealing with.

• Do not hesitate to check the credentials of a salesman or public official.

• If you receive a suspicious phone call or email from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - question it! 

Please keep reporting suspicious activity to the police

UPDATED JANUARY 17, 2024

January is Crime Stoppers month.

Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers is a successful, multi-award-winning community-based crime solving program that makes our communities safer places to live.

Working in a partnership with the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers Society, the public, media, RCMP and Regional District of Central Okanagan.

Their area covers the communities from Oyama to Peachland.

You remain anonymous and they pay out rewards of up to $2000 for information that leads to charges or an arrest.

If you KNOW something, SAY something.

Be a good vigilant neighbour.

UPDATED December 19, 2023

From Roy Morgan

As your Crime Prevention Coordinator for the RDCO / RCMP Support Services I encourages residents to take an active role in crime prevention in their neighbourhood.

Please participate in your community in the #9PMRoutine.

The #9PMRoutine is used by police agencies across North America to remind citizens to protect themselves and their properties.

There are simple steps you can take to help prevent crime in your neighbourhood.

Every night at 9 p.m.:

Remove valuables from your vehicle and ensure it’s locked, vehicle windows and sunroof are closed, and if possible, your vehicle’s parked in a garage.

If vehicle is left overnight on your driveway, ensure your driveway and vehicle are illuminated.

Close all garage windows and lock any garage doors, especially those leading into your house.

Check and lock all external house doors and shut all windows.

Turn on any exterior lights around your home and driveway.

Close and lock any side gates on your property.

Lock your shed and any other outbuildings.

Put away and secure any bikes, toys and garden tools / equipment left in your yard.

UPDATED December 14, 2023

From Roy Morgan

Online shopping can be a convenient way to quickly cross names off your list during this holiday season.

But us consumers need to provide personal details like our name, address, and credit card information – and that's why RCMP advise the following steps to ensure transactions are as secure and to safeguard personal and financial information.

·    Secure websites display a closed padlock in the web address bar. Open or missing padlocks mean the data isn’t secure.

·    Avoid making purchases on public Wi-Fi and shop using your own data connection or through a virtual privacy network (VPN)

·    Avoid sites that are poorly designed or have poor graphics, they are likely a spoof.

·    Shop around retailers before purchasing. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

·    Checkout as a guest to avoid saving your personal information.

·    Utilize multi-factor authentication such as a pin or a fingerprint to verify login.

·    Use passphrases instead of passwords where possible.

·    Monitor your bank accounts and credit card statements regularly, watch for and report any suspicious activity or transactions as soon as possible to your financial institutions.

Consumers should pay attention to the sites they’re visiting and be on the lookout for anything that seems out of the ordinary.

And remember "If it seems suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is."

Continue to be a good vigilant neighbour and report suspicious activity,

UPDATED AUGUST 8, 2023

From Roy Morgan

Good afternoon Casa Loma Residents

Hope you are all enjoying our Okanagan summer and are all staying cool.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan RCMP Support services is promoting the Garage 529 program for bike security.

This program is an effective tool to combat bike theft just download the 529 Garage smartphone app or visit www.529garage.com

Help defend against bike theft by:

1.      Registering your bike with 529 Garage bike registry for free – it takes only five minutes!

2.      Getting a 529 Garage decal to discourage thieves.

3.      Locking your bike properly. 

In the event your bike goes missing, you'll have everything you need to activate the police and community to help recover your bike. 

Be a good vigilant neighbour and stay safe.

UPDATED JunE 4, 2023

News from Roy Morgan to the residents of Casa Loma.

Here’s a friendly reminder regarding the 9PM Routine.

The #9PMRoutine is used by police agencies across North America to remind citizens to protect themselves and their property.

Central Okanagan RCMP encourages residents to take an active role in crime prevention in their neighbourhood and community by participating in the #9PMRoutine.

There are simple steps you can take to help prevent crime in your neighbourhood. Every night at 9 p.m.:

• Remove valuables from your vehicle and ensure it’s locked, windows are closed, and if possible, your vehicle’s parked in a garage.

• Close all garage windows and lock any garage doors, especially those leading into your house.

• Keep your vehicle registration and insurance documents secure. The documents can be used to commit other crimes.

• Check and lock all house doors and shut all windows.

• Turn on exterior lights around your home.

• Close and lock your gates around your property.

• Lock up your outbuildings.

• Put away garden tools, bikes, and toys in your yard.

Be a good vigilant neighbour and report suspicious activity to the police.

UPDATED APRIL 11, 2023

News from Roy Morgan:

Gold scammers were back in action in the Okanagan over the Easter weekend.

A man says he was approached Friday afternoon at the Co-op gas bar in Vernon by a couple claiming they needed money for fuel and offering jewelry for sale.

The "Middle Eastern looking" man and woman were well dressed and had a child with them, in the back of a minivan.

The victim was scammed out of $500 when he purchased rings and chains.

He took them to Raven Traders, where he was told they are fakes and basically worthless costume jewelry.

The con artists also tried to sell the man a 'Rolex' watch, but he declined.

"The scammer was dressed in a nice suit and said they had lost their ID and had no money and needed gas money to drive to family and get some help," the man explained.

The chains and rings "are all stamped 18 karat and are all fakes," Raven Traders said, warning others not to fall for the scam.

Rings and chains are the usual fake goods, but this scam included a pendant on one of the chains – a new development in the fraudsters' tactics, Raven Traders says.

Vernon RCMP warned the public after a similar incident, saying: "If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is."

Be a good vigilant neighbour and report suspicious activity to the police.

UPDATED MARCH 7, 2023

From Roy Morgan

MARCH - FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH

Did you know that home improvement scams were the riskiest scam facing Canadians in 2022? It jumped up to 1st from 4th place the year before. 
Here are the top 10 scams in 2022:
1. Home improvement (⬆ +3)
2. Cryptocurrency (⬇ -1)
3. Advance Fee Loans (⬇ -1)
4. Investment (👀 new entry!)
5. Employment (⬆ +2)
6. Online Purchase (⬇ -3)
7. Rental (👀 new entry!)
8. Credit card (⬆ +1)
9. Travel/Vacation/Timeshare (👀 new entry!)
10. Phishing (⬇ -5)

Please be wary of any get rich quick schemes.

If it’s seeming too good to be true it probably is.

Be a good vigilant neighbour.

UPDATED MARCH 3, 2023

This month of March is Canada’s Fraud Awareness month.

Below is a list of types of common fraud & scams that appear, usually by email or through social media outlets, we receive online.

Please be aware of these types of crimes and talk to close friends & family members for advice and contact me if you are unsure who you are dealing with.   

Online Scams & Fraud

·         Romance scams – a person creates a false identity, pretends to have romantic feelings, gains victims trust & affection then scams them for money.

·         Phishing emails – lures you into giving up username, passwords, or other sensitive info by pretending to be someone you know & trust.

·         Job Scams – scammers pose as employer recruiter, offers attractive work opportunities which require job seekers to pay money in advance for training or equipment.

·         Buy and Sell Fraud – scammers pose as both buyers / sellers, look to trick you out of your cash by you paying for an item that does not exist or is never delivered.

·         Lottery/prize scams - informed you have won a prize and you need to send money or banking details to claim a non-existent prize!!.

·         Tech repair scams – scammers use scare tactics to trick you into unnecessary technical support service to fix your device or software problems that don’t exist.

·         Impersonation scams – scammers claim to be a representative from Government, Canada Revenue Agency, Police Officer, or local Bank, tries to convince you to send money or personal information.

Please report any fraud cons and scams you may have unfortunately been involved in, it’s a common occurrence, don’t be embarrassed or feel foolish, it happens but we must report it to raise public awareness.

Report it to your local RCMP Detachment on their non - emergency number and create a file#.

You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 or if its Business related, contact your BC Better Business Bureau on 604-682-2711

Let Roy Morgan at 250-707-8021 or roy.morgan@rdco.com know too by email or phone that this has occurred so he can give you some prevention advice.

Be a good vigilant neighbour and report suspicious activity in your neighbourhood to the police.

UPDATED JANUARY 22, 2023

Thought I would share with you a recent example of an email scam sent to my personal email address.

This email invites you to fill out a registration form so they can kindly deposit your money directly into your account, how helpful of them!!!

Message: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sent you has sent you $515.20 (CAD).

If you complete the registration, transfers from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be automatically deposited.

You are asked to click in either box

Complete registration Decline registration

Please DO NOT correspond with these types of emails and please delete.

Canada Revenue Agency does not send out these types of emails.

UPDATED NOVEMBER 19, 2022

The Central Okanagan RCMP is warning the public that seniors are being actively targeted with the Grandparent Scam.

Grandparent scams are common scams that target seniors. They usually involve a phone call from someone telling the victims that their grandchild is in legal trouble and will need a large sum of money as bail.

If you get a call like this, be prepared: the scammer may already know your grandchild’s name and what your grandchild calls you (for example, a nickname like Nona or Grampy).

Scammers request money to be wired right away without telling anyone. The scammer may try to convince you that your grandchild was in a car accident or arrested.

In two separate instances recently in Kelowna, the scammer attended the victim’s residence, taking large sums of cash they had pre-arranged with the victims.

What to do

If you receive a call like this, DON’T wire the money or give the caller any further information. Hang up and call your grandchild, or another family member, to find out what’s going on.

Then report the scam to:

Our local, West Kelowna RCMP Non-Emergency phone 250-768-2880

AND

•  Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.  Toll-free at 1 888 495-8501

•  Email info@antifraudcentre.ca

•  Website: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

At no time will a Government agency, the Justice system or any other business request cash or other forms of payment like gift cards. If they do, It’s a scam.

Currently, the Kelowna RCMP is actively investigating these crimes. If you are a victim or have received a phone call asking for money, please call the RCMP at (250) 762-3300 to report it.

UPDATED NOVEMBER 14, 2022

Good morning Casa Loma residents, 

Hope you are all doing well and keeping warm in this present chilly weather.

The following is from Roy Morgan, our Block Watch coordinator.

It is that time of the year when you may be thinking of escaping the snow and enjoying some sunshine and warmth in some far away destination.

Well, if this is you, enjoy, but please ensure your home is safe and secure while you are away.

Below are some tips to target harden your home while you are away. 

Home Security

Talk to and leave a door key to a trusted family member / friend or a Blockwatch neighbour to keep a periodic check on your home while you are away.

Ensure all home doors and windows are closed and locked before you leave.

Get the trusted key holder to collect any post or flyers left at your door.

Use timers within your home to activate lights and radio at random intervals

Install exterior lighting around your home and install motion activated lights covering any dark areas in your yard.

Arrange to have your driveway cleared after snow falls while you are away and get one of your neighbours to park a vehicle on your drive.

Unplug your garage door opener and lock your garage door.

Any outbuildings & sheds you have, must be secured, and locked with additional locking systems such as padlocks.

Unplug certain appliances and electronics within your home such as TV’s and computers to reduce possible risk of fire

Before you go away make sure you have an inventory list of valuable items within your home with records of make / model and serial numbers.

Make sure whoever is looking out for your home has your contact information in case of an emergency.

This should include your departure and return dates and all details of your Home’s Alarm system, if fitted, including your code number, and instructions on how to use the system.

Be a good vigilant neighbour and report suspicious activity in your area.

Eyes and Ears for the RCMP and your neighbours in your community.

UPDATED OCTOBER 27, 2022

Good morning Casa Loma residents

Please see below article featured on Vernon Castanet media today, BE AWARE!!

Gold scammers are again making the rounds in the Okanagan.

A Vernon man was duped Tuesday when a couple outside the Wholesale Club store approached him with a tale of woe.

The man was taken for $400 when the fake gold jewelry he purchased was only worth $20 to $50.

A spokesperson at Raven Traders in downtown Vernon says the man came into the store shortly after making the purchase to see how much the 'gold' was worth.

"I could see without even picking it up that it was costume jewelry," the Raven spokesperson said.

The man and a friend had apparently been approached by a Middle Eastern-looking man and woman looking to sell a chunky necklace, bracelet, and man's ring, saying their vehicle had broken down and they needed money to repair it and return to Eastern Canada.

The man paid $400 for the jewelry, which if real would have been worth about $3,000 in sale value at Raven Traders and double that if new at a jewelry store.

The items were stamped as if they were 18-carat gold.

They were said to be "extremely good" fakes, "but don't trust a stamp," Raven Traders advises.

"He was pretty mad about it, but this type of thing happens frequently," the spokesperson said.

"People get excited," thinking they are scoring a bargain, but police say, "buyer beware."

Earlier this year, Vernon RCMP warned the public about fake gold con artists in the area.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is, police say.

"This scam is not unique to our area and is one that keeps popping up in communities across the province," said North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski.

Raven Traders says it sees similar cases almost every month, and many people are too embarrassed to go to police about it.

"By the time they come to us, it's too late... people come in asking 'Is this real?' and there's nothing I can do to help them."

Continue to be a good vigilant neighbour and report suspicious activity in you neighbourhood to the West Kelowna RCMP.

UPDATED OCTOBER 14, 2022

Happy Friday and thank you all for being part of our Block Watch Crime Prevention program.

When you document and/or engrave your property, it will increase the chances of having your property returned to you if it is ever stolen or goes missing.

Taking photos of your property will also help document it for possible insurance claims and/or police reports. For items which are difficult to engrave, such as jewellery, art, family heirlooms and antiques, photos are a great way to keep a record. Take a picture of yourself with the property and save them to a place which is accessible. Video is a great option too!

Tips to engraving your property are as follows:

• Engrave property with your driver’s license number. DO NOT use your SIN number.

• Initials and other unique letters and numbers can be used to personalise it to you.

• Make sure to put BCDL in front so if it is recovered out of province it can be returned.

• Engravers work on plastic, metal, and wood.

• Items worth engraving include bicycles, electronic equipment, and tools.

• Make an inventory list of engraved property items and keep it in a safe place.

• Once you have marked the property put decals on your front and rear doors or windows alerting would be criminals that your property is marked for identification.

• Engraving – provides evidence of guilt and enables police to detain a suspect who is found in possession of property engraved with someone else’s driver’s license number.

• There is a higher likelihood that the property will be returned to its rightful owner.

• Engraving may serve as a deterrent as criminals are less likely to steal marked property.

• The thief cannot reclaim the property if it is seized.

• Take photos or video of other valuables.

An engravers is available for to mark items and identification decals stickers to use as a visible deterrent.  Please contact info@casalomacommunity.com and arrangements can be made.

Hope you are all well and thank you for continuing to be “Eyes and Ears” for the RCMP in your communities,

Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully obtains and uses your personal information to commit fraud or theft.

By using your basic personal information such as name, address, social insurance number (SIN), date of birth and mother’s maiden name, identity thieves may gain access to bank accounts, apply for loans, and credit cards or engage in criminal activity that ultimately becomes associated to you.

RECOGNIZE

• Calls and letters for credit cards or accounts you never applied for

• Not receiving mail

• Unauthorized credit card purchases

REPORT

• Contact the bank to close or modify accounts and credit cards

• Contact credit bureaus and have fraud alerts placed on your credit reports: Equifax 1-800-465-7166 and TransUnion 1-877-525-3823

• Notify police and record your police file number

• Report to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online or 1-888-495-8501

PROTECT

• Use caution when sharing personal information in person, over the phone and online

• Don’t carry your SIN card and passport on you unnecessarily

• Use secure websites that have proper data encryption

• Protect your passwords, change them often, and use unique passwords that won’t be easily guessed

• Shred documents that contain personal or banking information

• Check monthly credit statements for charges you did not make and review your credit report at least once a year.

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UPDATED AUGUST 21, 2022

The Block Watch presentation on Saturday August 20th was a great success. Roy Morgan our Crime Prevention Coordinator from RDCO and the West Kelowna RCMP discussed his law enforcement background and how he works with the RCMP. His presentation also included topics of crime prevention, community awareness to strangers and avoiding scams.

UPDATED AUGUST 16, 2022

SCAMS

Don't fall for scams over the phone. NEVER give out any personal or business information.

"Scammers are always finding new ways to try to trick our customers, from knocking on their doors to try to gain entry to homes, to sending emails pretending to be a representative from BC Hydro," said BC Hydro online. If unsure about the person, CALL the utility's customer team at 1 800 BC HYDRO (1 800 224 9376) for clarification.

Residents are asked to report any fraudulent texts or emails they receive to their local police department and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 888 495 8501.

If you are ever unsure about a communication, text, email, or? from a business is legitimate, DO NOT click any links or open any files sent to you. Do not use the phone number provided! Go to the company’s website, the answer may be there or use their contact page to verify the communication

Be a good vigilant neighbour and report suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.

Be the Eyes and Ears for your community and contact the RCMP

UPDATED June 30, 2022

Good morning, Block Watch members,

Theft of bicycles, theft from motor vehicles and theft from garages/backyards are always more common during the summer months.

RCMP ask the community to follow the following tips to prevent these types of thefts from occurring:

Please see below some Summer Crime Prevention tips.

Ensure bicycles/scooters are always locked up and when not in use, put away3Put identifying marks/numbers or serial numbers on bikes, lawn mowers, quads, outdoor equipment/tools

·         Put away children’s toys and bikes when not in use

·         Put away all yard tools after use.

·         Lock the front door even when outside in the back yard

·         Ask a neighbour to take care of the yard & take in papers if you plan to be away

·         Turn on outside lights in the evening and install motion sensor lights

The RCMP ask you to follow the 9 PM Routine / Lock It – Crime Reduction initiatives. 

Every night at 9 PM:

·         Remove valuables from your vehicle and ensure it’s locked, windows are closed, and if possible, park vehicles in a garage.

·         Close all garage windows and lock any garage doors, especially those leading into your house.

·         Check and lock all house doors and shut all windows.

·         Turn on an exterior light around your home.

·         Close and lock your fence gate.

·         Lock your storage sheds and outbuildings.

·          

I encourage all of you to report any criminal or suspicious activity to the RCMP

Reports tells the RCMP; where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future.

If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. 

UPDATED April 8, 2022

Continue the great work you all do in your Neighbourhoods

Be a good vigilant neighbour and report to the police suspicious activities.

The BC Block Watch Society program that we all contribute to, makes our neighbourhoods safer places to live.

Let’s keep being good neighbours and look out for other residents and their homes in your communities. 

Let’s all try to Recognize it – Report it – Stop it!.

Fraud techniques to watch out for:

·         Professional looking marketing materials.

·         Believable answers for your tough questions

·         Impersonate government agencies & charities

·         Ask for fees in advance of promised services.

·         Prey on those needing help with loans & finding employment.

·         ·Threaten legal action or arrest to collect on alleged contracts or debt.

Best Defence:

·         Do not give out personal or financial information to anyone you don’t know.

·         Protect and do not share any PIN # or passwords you have for any online accounts.

·         Develop good password habits, change regularly, and use unique ones that are hard to guess.

·         Consider a low-limit credit card to use for just online purchases.

·         Get in the habit of shredding old receipts, bank statements, copies of credit applications, insurance forms etc.

·         Take advice from family, close friend before making any financial transactions.

·         Beware of “Too good to be true” offers as they probably are!!!!

Please contact the authorities, Police, and your Bank, if you suspect you are a victim of fraud or a scam.

Do not feel embarrassed or ashamed, please report it. We need others to know to prevent it happening to them.

It is all about education and awareness.   

Be a good vigilant neighbour in your community and report suspicious activities.