3 fraud victims lose $50,000 from counterfeit bank drafts: Richmond RCMP
Posted December 15, 2023 11:45 am.
The Richmond RCMP says it has received three reports in the same week involving cases of counterfeit bank drafts in the city.
The first two alleged frauds took place on Dec. 8 but were reported on Dec. 12, after the victims found out the bank drafts were fraudulent.
The first victim told police she was selling her purse online and had been given a bank draft as payment. After cashing it, her bank let her know that it was fake.
The second victim told police that he was selling a diamond ring online and had been given a bank draft as payment. He was also then advised by his bank after cashing it that it was fake.
The third fraud took place on Dec. 11 but was reported to police three days later. The victim was also trying to sell a purse online and had also been given a bank draft as payment. Her bank then told her it was fake.
“We have reason to believe these three investigations are linked,” said Richmond RCMP Corp. Adriana O’Malley in a release.
”We don’t want to see anyone else fall prey to this type of fraud which is why we are issuing this public warning.”
The police say that between the three victims, over $50,000 in goods were lost.
Mounties added that to protect yourself from fraud, you should confirm the authentication of the bank draft and contact the institution before the transaction is completed, meet the buyer at a legitimate institution to observe the bank draft being ordered and ensure the draft has been confirmed before releasing the item to the buyer.
Mounties are asking anyone with information on these files to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. They say that if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.
