Thieves posing as buyers take off with vehicle during test drive, says NPD
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson Police are asking the public to be vigilant when selling items or taking phone calls from people suggesting to be part of financial institutions after the department received complaints from the public during the past few days.
The initial complaint was made to NPD dispatch Tuesday afternoon.
A Nelson resident had accepted a proposal to purchase a vehicle online from two people.
However, before the transaction was completed, the two individuals wanted to take the vehicle in question for a “test drive”.
That was the last the seller saw of her vehicle.
Thankfully, Nelson Police Department has identified two suspects and the investigation is ongoing at this time. There was no word on whether the vehicle was recovered.
At this time NPD would like to remind the public to keep safety in mind when dealing with the selling or purchasing of items via online ads:
- Always meet in a public place
- Do not invite strangers into your home
- Be careful when selling or purchasing high value items
- Tell a friend or family member where you are going or have someone attend with you
- Take a cell phone with you if you have one
- If permitting test drives, obtain identification first and ensure potential buyers leave deposit. Do not accompany them during the test drive
- Be mindful of your surroundings
- Trust your instincts
Fraudsters try to extract money using banking scheme
On Thursday, (December 17) NPD received a complaint from the public regarding a telephone call from an unknown caller stating that the complainant’s bank account had been targeted.
The caller suggested that monies had been removed from the complainant’s account but if the complainant supplied his banking information (account number) the monies would be returned.
The complainant checked his bank account and verified no monies had been withdrawn.
NPD wishes to advise the public that these callers are not associated to financial institutions and has been confirmed to be a scam.
Police strongly encourages anybody receiving these telephone calls to not provide any personal information.
If any members of the public unwittingly provide any personal information or receive deceptive telemarketing, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
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