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Oak Bay police investigate courier, mobile-phone scams

The department is reminding residents to be vigilant after reports of two scams last week.
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The department is calling for vigilence after two scams cost residents more than $30,000 last week. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

It may be the season for all things merry and bright, but it can also be a time ripe for the dark and ugly, according to Oak Bay police.

The department is reminding residents to be vigilant after reports of two scams last week.

An Oak Bay resident reportedly lost more than $200,000 to scam artists after getting a phone call from what they were told was a courier company.

The resident was told the company had received some illegal merchandise and if the resident didn’t comply with directions and send $20,000, they would be charged and arrested.

The victim wired the money to the Bank of Asia East in Hong Kong and then received a series of calls and texts asking for more. The victim sent that, too.

That matter is under investigation.

Also last week, police got a report of a mobile-phone refund scam.

A resident was expecting a $35 cheque from Telus, but instead received a text message that looked to be from Telus directing him to click on a link that went to an e-transfer form asking for banking information.

The victim was defrauded of $12,000.

aduffy@timescolonist.com