A Salmon Arm resident came close to losing $7,000 in gift cards to fraudsters.
On Feb. 21, the resident contacted police after receiving a telephone call from someone claiming their identity had been compromised. The resident was convinced to visit various locations and purchase 14 gift cards valued at $500 each.
"The woman was then instructed to provide the PIN for each gift card over the phone," said Salmon Arm RCMP media relations officer Andrew Hodges in a media release. "The woman caught on that it was scam and told her husband and reported to police."
Salmon Arm RCMP are advising the public to use extreme caution when answering unsolicited phone calls and emails.
"Do not purchase gift cards for anyone you don鈥檛 know," said Hodges. "Do not provide your personal information to anyone over the phone or via e-mail. Do not send e-transfers to anyone you don鈥檛 know.
"If someone is claiming to be someone you know, ask them about a memory or experience only the two of you would know, such as a memorable vacation or restaurant you went to. This can help confirm their identity without actually seeing them in person."
To learn more about the red flags to watch for in the most common types of scams, visit sites such as the BC RCMP Frauds and Scams, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadian Telecoms Association or the Competition Bureau.
