New 'money mule' scam in B.C.'s Lower Mainland prompts warning from RCMP
B.C. Mounties are warning the public of a new scam in the Lower Mainland after a local company unwittingly became a so-called money mule for a fraudster.
Coquitlam RCMP issued a statement about the scheme Tuesday, saying a local home-improvement company was targeted. According to police, the company was contacted by an alleged fraudster who asked it to complete some home improvements before their possession date on a home.
At first, the company asked for a deposit for the work, which police said the fraudster sent. Police said the fraudster then asked the company to help with moving and storage needs, transferring extra money to the local company to be paid to other service companies.
While the local company conducted those transactions, it became suspicious of the services' legitimacy and reported the interaction to police. After conducting internet searches, it was determined the services were fake.
"The business owner did the right thing when he contacted the police to report the suspicious transactions," said Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a news release.
"With the increase in fraud reports in Canada, it is important that Canadians remain diligent, know what scams looks like, how to protect themselves and to always report them."
Mounties said a money mule is someone who's recruited – either wittingly or unwittingly – to transfer illegally acquired money. Police said it's important to never forward money on behalf of an unknown person or company. It's also a good idea to do an internet search on the company or person they're requesting money be sent to.
In this instance, Mounties said, the local company didn't lose any money by completing the transactions on behalf of the fraudster.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.