The Kitimat RCMP is urging the public to exercise increased vigilance following a series of Facebook-related scams in the community. These incidents underscore the growing sophistication of online fraudsters and the importance of safeguarding personal information.
In the first incident, on Dec. 26, police responded to a concerning situation where a resident’s address was misused as a pickup location for a Facebook Marketplace sale. An unsuspecting individual visited the complainant’s home, believing it to be the exchange point for an item purchased online. The homeowner, however, had not listed anything for sale on the platform, indicating a deliberate misuse of their address by an unknown scammer.
Three days later a Kitimat resident fell victim to a deceptive Facebook message, claiming they had won US$ 1 million and a Ford F350. To claim the supposed prize, they were instructed to pay $500 in administrative fees using Apple gift cards and to provide their bank details. Unfortunately, the victim complied, sharing their banking information, password, and copies of their identification.
The RCMP said they’re taking these incidents seriously, providing victims with guidance on contacting credit bureaus such as Equifax and TransUnion for identity protection. They also advised reporting to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The RCMP emphasizes the critical need for social media users to be alert to potential scams and to avoid sharing personal or financial information online.
An RCMP spokesperson said the incidencts in Kitimat are a harsh reminder of the ingenuity and persistence of online scammers, and that the public is urged to be sceptical of too-good-to-be-true offers on social media and to verify the legitimacy of any online transaction.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so do the tactics of scammers. The RCMP advises residents to keep abreast of common online fraud schemes and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
For further information and resources on how to protect yourself from online scams, visit the RCMP’s website or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.