Comox Valley RCMP – What’s Happening
December 11, 2020

Funny money making rounds in the Comox Valley

Comox Valley RCMP has received recent reports of counterfeit $100 bills being used at local businesses. If these phoney $100 bills are in our community, they might not only be used at businesses but potentially for private sales (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc.). This is a good time to review the security features present in Canadian currency and ensure you’re checking your cash.

For more information about Counterfeit Prevention, please visit the Bank of Canada website.

Beware of the Handyman Scam

The Comox Valley RCMP are warning residents to be cautious and skeptical when someone comes to their door offering handyman services. In past years, residents of the Comox Valley have been targeted by a man offering handyman services to seniors. This man travelled door-to-door offering services such as eaves trough cleaning, yard work or other handyman services. The man gained the trust of homeowners and then took valuables from their home or failed to complete a job he had already been paid for.

The Comox Valley RCMP are asking residents to be vigilant and to call the police immediately if someone suspicious comes to their door offering handyman services. 
 
Tips to avoid the Handyman Scam 

• Never pay up front - This makes it too easy for the fraudster to take your money and leave without completing the job.
• They were just in the neighbourhood – It is suspicious when someone was just in the neighbourhood and happened to notice a problem with your home’s roof, driveway, chimney, windows, etc. This is not a company who is going to every door offering everyone a service, you have been targeted.
• More than one – When a pair of this kind comes knocking, it's not uncommon for one to try to distract you (often outside) while the other sneaks inside for a quick theft.
• Check for Identification – don’t be afraid to ask for identification, a business card or some sort of credentials.
• Do your homework before you commit to anything.

Is the RCMP calling you?

On December 8, 2020 the Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a fraudulent call being placed from what appeared to be RCMP phone number. The person on the call claimed there was a computer problem, which required repair; however, before any exchange of money took place, the caller hung up. This is a reminder that scammers will often spoof their phone numbers to trick people into answering the phone and believing they are speaking with a trusted source.
(Ref. Comox Valley 2020-19880)

For more information on how to protect yourself, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.  

The dog was driving

On December 1, 2020 the Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a vehicle that had been driven into a ditch on Lazo Road in Comox. Upon arrival, the investigating officer was met with a woman and her dog. The woman told police that it was just her and her dog inside the vehicle at the time it was driven into the ditch – and that the dog was driving. The officer quickly developed the opinion that this woman’s ability to operate her motor vehicle was affected by alcohol. Ultimately, the woman was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition after refusing to provide a breath sample.
(Ref. Comox Valley RCMP 2020-19530)

If you have any information regarding any of these incidents, or any other crime, please contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca. When reporting through Crime Stoppers, you never have to identify yourself or testify in court, and you could receive a cash reward for your information.