Over the last week the Osoyoos RCMP received 3 reports of scams targeting people in the Osoyoos area. Two of the scams were received over the Internet as e-mails and one was a written letter. One scam is from a fictitious law firm stating they are representing a deceased client, (involved in a motor vehicle accident with his entire family) and no known next of kin. They contact a person asking them to be a “next of kin family representative” who will then obtain 40% of a large inheritance with 10% going to charity and the remainder 50% to the law firm. The second scam baits the victim with a mystery shopper advertisement. They are sent a cheque (which looks real but is invalid) from JP Morgan Chase Bank, Toronto Branch, etc. and promised additional bank funds once the victim sends money in.
Remember it does not cost money to win money or to claim a prize. If you are unsure or have been called by a fraud artist, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Section toll free at 1-888-495-8501, or contact them through www.phonebusters.com.
Osoyoos RCMP officers have been on the road conducting Impaired Driving Counter Attack road checks. Over the last week 4 drivers were removed from the road for drinking and driving. A 22 year old Burnaby man, a 57 year old lady from Osoyoos, and a 48 year old Osoyoos man received 90 day Immediate Road side Driving Suspensions and their vehicles were impounded for 30 days, and a 44 year old man from Spokane Washington received a 3 day Driving Suspension.
On December 11th, 2013 Police received a report that sometime over the previous few days thieves entered an unlocked storage area on the 3600 block of Jasmine Drive and stole a black Fitbike BMX Bike.
On December 13th, 2013, Police were called to the Apple Plaza on Main Street as a key lock box had been pried off the complex wall. A storage shed beside Curves was broken into a number of personal Christmas gifts were stolen including hand Painted Candle Holders and gift cards.
If anyone has information on crimes please call the Osoyoos RCMP at (250) 495-7236 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.