A Parksville Qualicum Beach resident has reported losing $70,000 in a cryptocurrency scam responding to messages from a social media platform on April 11.
It marks the latest in a series of online scams reported to Oceanside RCMP in recent months.
On April 9, another resident reported losing $200, investing to a cryptocurrency company found online. The same day, another resident reported being defrauded out of almost $1,000 while trying to sell an item online and receiving an email requesting banking information, supposedly to receive $40. On April 8, a resident reported losing money for a house rental by e-transferring a damage deposit to a male who was not the owner of the property in Spider Lake.
During the week of April 7 to April 13, Oceanside RCMP received 256 complaints. Some of the other incidents included:
On April 8, a vehicle was reported stolen in the 200 block of Larkspur Place in Parksville. It was recovered by Nanaimo RCMP. The day before, a visiting motorist reported their vehicle was vandalized with damage to a licence plate and side mirror in the 300 block of Alberni Highway in Parksville.
Also April 8, a vehicle was reported vandalized with a hole drilled in the gas tank in the 1300 block of Chalet Road in Qualicum Beach.
On April 10, a suspicious fire was reported with damage to a dumpster in the 100 block of Island Highway East in Parksville. The same day, a political sign was reported stolen from a property in the 2400 block of Evanshire Crescent in Nanoose Bay; and a vehicle was reported vandalized with a two-foot scratch mark while parked at the corner of Fern and Primrose in Qualicum Beach.
Also April 10, a patio umbrella and chains were reported stolen in the 2100 block of Honey Wulff Close in Nanoose Bay. The next day, a catalytic converter was reported stolen from a vehicle while parked at the Wesley Ridge Trail pullout, Alberni Highway and Chalet Road.
On April 13, a Canada Post mailbox was vandalized with damage to a number of compartments in the 4500 block of Crosley Road in Bowser. The same day, three vehicles in a parking lot were reported damaged by rocks in the 400 block of Alberni Highway in Parksville. Two youths were arrested, took responsibility for the damage and will make arrangements for repairs.
If you see a crime in progress phone 911. The Oceanside RCMP non-emergency number is 250-248-6111 and the detachment is located at 421 Pym Street North, Parksville, with public business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, except holidays.
