An unfortunate incident unfolded in Oak Bay as a resident fell victim to a fraudulent phone scam, resulting in a loss of $8,000.
The unsuspecting victim received a call from an individual who claimed to be an employee of BC Hydro, identifying himself as John.
The scammer informed the resident that their business’s power would be disconnected within an hour due to overdue payments.
Panicked by the impending threat, the Oak Bay man hastily sent four e-transfers totalling $8,000 to the scammer. However, his realization came too late—his BC Hydro bills had already been prepaid, rendering the entire ordeal a scam.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. on June 12th, just four days prior to the resident’s scheduled departure from the premises following the sale of his business.
Oak Bay Police are investigating the matter, urging residents to exercise caution when confronted with similar situations.
They advise individuals to verify the authenticity of any claims made by callers, especially those demanding urgent payment. Furthermore, it is crucial to contact the concerned utility company directly to confirm the legitimacy of such requests.
