Police in the Comox Valley are getting the word out about some ongoing scams.
Rental Rip-off:
Back in February, police warned residents about a common rental scam making its rounds in the valley.
“Unfortunately, this scam is still being reported with seemingly local houses and/or apartments being offered for rent,” they say.
If you’re looking to rent a property, they’re urging you to be extra cautious and take careful steps to ensure you don’t lose money. More info about this scam can be found in their initial release.
Buying a Tiny House? Be careful:
Police say they’ve now received two reports regarding a potentially fraudulent purchase/deposit for tiny homes in the valley.
Victims report that they made deposits to secure the build of a tiny home; however, police note they either didn’t receive the home, or received the home in very poor condition.
If you believe you’ve fallen victim to something similar, call the Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 to make a report.
Thousands lost to phony romance:
And every year, police say Canadians lose millions of dollars to bogus romance schemes. They say residents of the valley are no exception.
“The Comox Valley RCMP has received recent reports in which people have lost thousands of dollars, believing they are sending the money to people they love or with whom they are in a relationship,” they add. “For many, the pandemic has sent them into isolation, away from friends and family, leaving them to turn to social media or online dating for companionship.”
With this in mind, police now urge you to avoid becoming a victim of a romance scam by recognizing the warning signs. They say you should also be careful about who you connect with online. To learn more about romance scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
