The Nanaimo RCMP has issued a warning about three newly identified scams affecting residents and businesses in the region. 

Early this year, a Nanaimo-based computer retailer reported the purchase of several Macbook Pro computers using fraudulent “Flexicards”, which are prepaid credit cards produced by the company Flexiti, allowing for clients to make purchases with businesses within the company’s network. 

Photo credit: VictoriaNowVisit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre website for information on identifying and reporting a potential scam.

Following that case, two more instances of fraud were reported to police on Feb. 2. 

The first involved a call received by a Nanaimo resident from a person claiming to be with the Mastercard Investigation Unit, explaining that their credit card had been compromised and required the purchase of prepaid credit cards to resolve the problem. The man then proceeded to provide the scammers with his credit card information, including expiry dates and security codes. He would later call police after realizing it could be a scam, however it was too late to save him from financial loss. 

The next incident, occurring the same day, saw scammers infiltrate the bank accounts of another Nanaimo resident through their personal computer. The man reported that his computer suddenly froze and a Microsoft alert appeared, notifying him that someone was attempting to access their bank accounts and providing a help-line number the man could call. 

After calling the number, he spoke to a fake technician who gained access to the man’s computer, and later asked for the purchase of gift cards to appease the hackers. It was at this point the man realized he was being scammed and proceeded to shut down his computer and notify police. In the end, the thieves did not remove any money from the man’s account, however they were able to gain access and change the passwords. The man later had his computer wiped clean by a computer expert.

Constable Sherri Wade of the Nanaimo RCMP encourages people to visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre website for information on how to avoid becoming victim of a scam: 

"It can happen to any of us," said Constable Wade. "We are busy; we click on a link that we shouldn't, we give personal information to people who are skilled in tricking us. The website provides up-to-date information on the most recent scams, how to protect yourself and if you become a victim of a scam, how to report it."