Over the last month, the 100 Mile House RCMP has received several reports of cryptocurrency fraud.
Staff Sgt. Brian Lamb said these scams typically involve a call from a person posing as a legitimate investment firm or website that appears to specialize in cryptocurrency investments. Reports have stated that people attempt to access funds from these companies and are asked to send money to have their invested funds released. Once the money is received the scammer severs all communication with no means to access or refund the money.
"Other incidents have involved one-time investments where the funds provided disappear soon after the transfer. Please be cognizant of these types of frauds and verify the actual business legitimacy, speak with your financial institution to determine if the investment is safe, and do not provide personal information over the phone or internet," Lamb said.
He noted the reports of these scams are seemingly random and are not linked to any one specific phone number or website. Lamb said that in most cases RCMP have few options for investigation as the physical location of the scammers can be unknown or located overseas. He advises anyone who has been scammed in this way to visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca for more information on known scams and to report a suspected scam.
Tow hooks stolen
Lamb said that 100 Mile House responded to 99 calls for service last week including a reported theft from a vehicle in the 900 block of Alder Avenue. The incident was reported on Sept. 18 and is believed to have occurred sometime over the previous two weeks. Two hooks mounted on the vehicle were removed and taken from the vehicle, which was parked at the location.
Shed theft
Also on Wednesday, Sept. 18, RCMP received a report of a theft from a shed located on the 90 block of Highway 97. Lamb said that a water pump, stroller and a stack of cedar shakes were all taken. It is not known when the incident occurred.
Rear-ended on Highway 97
RCMP responded to reports of a vehicle collision on Highway 97 near Lac La Hache on Thursday, Sept. 19. On arrival with emergency health services (EHS) Lamb said officers determined one of the vehicles had rear-ended the other. Highway 97 was reduced to single-lane alternating traffic during this incident. Nobody was injured in this collision.
Rollover causes severe damage to vehicle
On Sept. 22, RCMP responded to reports of a single-vehicle rollover on the 801 Forest Service Road near Keane Road. On arrival Lamb said they located a vehicle which had sustained severe damage but no driver or passengers.
The driver of the vehicle was later located with some minor injuries. Lamb said RCMP believed speed relative to the conditions of the road was likely a contributing factor in the crash.
Rollover caused by wildlife
Finally, on Monday, Sept. 23 RCMP received reports of another single-vehicle rollover on Timothy Lake Road near Spout Lake Road.
When they reached the scene of the accident Lamb said officers once more did not locate anyone around the vehicle. After finding the driver RCMP learned they were not injured and that the rollover had occurred while attempting to avoid a collision with an animal.
Lamb said the driver was issued a violation ticket for a defective vehicle due to poor tire condition.
Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to contact the 100 Mile House RCMP at 250-395-2456 or anonymously 24 hours a day at Crimestoppers at 1-800-222- TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com .
