An Oak Bay man was the victim of a scam where he was directed to withdraw money from his bank to buy gift cards to repay “fraudulent charges.”
According to a police report filed on May 29, 2024, the victim received a phone call from a “Bank Inspector” saying there were two fraudulent charges on his account.
The suspected scammer then advised the victim they needed access to their computer via “AnyDesk.”
“AnyDesk” is a program to remotely access computers or other devices, which is used by scammers to carry out their crime.
The suspect used AnyDesk to make it appear like $7,000 was deposited into the victim’s account.
The victim was instructed by the scammer to withdraw cash from their local bank branch and buy gift cards totalling $13,500.
The scammer directed the victim what to say to the bank teller, and told the man to buy gift cards. The man gave the scammer the gift card numbers and validation codes, and at this point became suspicious that he was being defrauded.
He immediately contacted the police, and the matter is still under investigation.
If you have information regarding these or any other crimes in Oak Bay, please call 250-592-2424 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS AND FRAUD
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre recommends people take steps to protect themselves from scams, which include if you receive a phone call asking information or instructions to access your bank account, always verify that the person you are talking to is legitimate before you take any other action.
Contact your local bank branch by using the phone number on the back of your credit or debit card.
Fraudsters have the ability to manipulate the phone number appearing on call display either by call or text message, they can display legitimate phone numbers for law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, government agencies or service providers.
Never give anyone remote access to your computer.
Learn more about securing your accounts by visiting Get Cyber Safe.
SEE ALSO:
- Jul 11, 2023: Oak Bay resident out nearly $13000 through scam: police
- Jul 31, 2023: Oak Bay man victim of another e-transfer fraud case
- Aug 2, 2023:Oak Bay resident loses nearly $15K in credit card scam
Harry Corro
