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BC RCMP - Steps to preventing parcel theft
Upper Fraser Valley RCMP remind the public to be proactive in protecting packages they plan to have delivered to their homes this summer.
Amazon Prime Day is becoming one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and Mounties remind the public to be cautious and take simple steps to help prevent parcel theft.
"The convenience of online shopping has created new opportunities for thieves," says Sgt. Krista Vrolyk of the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP. Theft of packages from porches and doorsteps is a crime of opportunity. Let’s be pro-active in removing that opportunity. If you are expecting a package, make arrangements for someone to pick it up so that it doesn’t sit for hours on your porch or have it delivered to an alternate address.
Tips:
Amazon Prime Day is becoming one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and Mounties remind the public to be cautious and take simple steps to help prevent parcel theft.
"The convenience of online shopping has created new opportunities for thieves," says Sgt. Krista Vrolyk of the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP. Theft of packages from porches and doorsteps is a crime of opportunity. Let’s be pro-active in removing that opportunity. If you are expecting a package, make arrangements for someone to pick it up so that it doesn’t sit for hours on your porch or have it delivered to an alternate address.
Tips:
- Have a well-lit front door area to deter thieves. Install a surveillance system, such as doorbell camera. A camera will often be enough to discourage some people from stealing property.
- Track packages. Follow the package's progress and be home when it’s scheduled to arrive.
- Ask couriers to require a signature upon a parcel's delivery.
- Arrange for a neighbour to accept the package if you cannot be there or consider having it delivered to your workplace, or a friend’s house you know will be available.
- Sign up for online accounts with Canada Post, or third party locations that can accept packages on your behalf.
- Report stolen packages to police.
SCAM ALERT: ICBC Gas Rebate Texts
After ICBC announced that they would be issuing a rebate due to increased fuel costs, scam texts began happening. ICBC will not issue any rebates via text or email. If you receive a text message asking you to clink a link to receive your fuel rebate, do not click it. It is a scam.
SCAM ALERT: Texts from Rogers
After the recent Rogers outage, scam text messages are being sent claiming to offer credits in the wake of the service interruptions. Rogers will apply the credit proactively to your account & no action is required. If you receive a suspicious SMS, please forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
SCAM ALERT: Smart Haven Sales Rep
Recently in Chilliwack there have been multiple reports of a Smart Haven sales rep going door to door attempting to sell home security systems. The individual offers a 3-5 year term with the monthly fee being added onto your Telus bill. In reality, Telus does not deal with this company at all. Fear tactics may be used, such as telling you that people in your neighborhood have been broken into and wished they had taken his offer. DO NOT GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION such as credit card information, phone numbers, or email addresses.
How to prevent and deal with door to door scams:
-install a security camera at your front door
-put up signs such as "No Solicitors" or "No Trespassing"
-use a gate or fence to help deter fraudsters from getting to your door
-Say "no" decisively
-Never let a salesman in. If you must step away from the conversation, do not leave your door open
-never pay in cash or give out credit card information
-ask detailed questions
-require written contracts
If you feel you may have been a victim of a door-to-door scam, contact the Chilliwack RCMP through their non-emergency line: (604) 792-4611. For emergencies, phone 911.
How to prevent and deal with door to door scams:
-install a security camera at your front door
-put up signs such as "No Solicitors" or "No Trespassing"
-use a gate or fence to help deter fraudsters from getting to your door
-Say "no" decisively
-Never let a salesman in. If you must step away from the conversation, do not leave your door open
-never pay in cash or give out credit card information
-ask detailed questions
-require written contracts
If you feel you may have been a victim of a door-to-door scam, contact the Chilliwack RCMP through their non-emergency line: (604) 792-4611. For emergencies, phone 911.
New Phone Scam: Package Intercepted by "CBSA"
You will answer your phone and a robs-caller will tell you that the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a package containing an illegal substance at the border and it was addressed to you. You will then be directed to press 1. DO NOT PRESS ANY KEYS. Hang up the phone. It's a SCAM!
To report a fraud contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
To report a fraud contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Report Suspicious Activity
Offenders check houses to see if anyone is home - this includes ringing the doorbell, knocking on door, and looking in windows. If nobody is there, the offender will then attempt to enter the home in order to steal things such as electronics, money, or jewelry. If you see this type of suspicious activity (e.g., someone looking in a house's windows) report it to the Chilliwack RCMP through their non-emergency line - (604) 792-4611. Please be on the lookout for suspicious activity, and report it to help keep your neighborhoods safe.
SCAM ALERT: Door-to-door scams
It is important to beware of the warning signs of this type of scam, as well as how to prevent it. The person soliciting may be wearing a fake uniform – check for their ID and contact said company to confirm that it is a legitimate employee. Do not let this solicitor into your home. One example is a door-to-door maintenance scam, in which case the salesman may offer free carpet cleaning for a chance to case your home. Other examples include asking to check your furnace, or asking for donations on behalf of a charity/non-profit organization.
Warning Signs of Door-to-Door Scams:
Warning Signs of Door-to-Door Scams:
- Demanding upfront payment
- Too good to be true
- Only accepting cash
- Using scare tactics
- Using verbal estimates or agreements instead of a written quote
- Asking suspicious questions, such as when you are normally away from your home
- Install a security camera at your front door
- Put up signs such as “No Solicitors” or “No Trespassing”
- Use a gate or fence to help deter fraudsters from getting to your door
- Say “no” decisively
- As stated above, never let a salesman in. If you must step away from the conversation, do not leave your door open.
- Never pay in cash
- Ask detailed questions
- Require written contracts
Vehicle Thefts:
Recently there has been a string of car thefts happening across Chilliwack! Each theft has had one thing in common; Keys being left in the ignition and the cars being left running. Citizens are preoccupied by running back into the house/garage/store for a minute or two and returning to find their vehicle stolen.
We want to remind everyone to always take out the keys whenever they are going to be away from their vehicle, even if its only for 30 seconds!
The "Crime of Opportunity" only needs a few seconds to be committed.
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We want to remind everyone to always take out the keys whenever they are going to be away from their vehicle, even if its only for 30 seconds!
The "Crime of Opportunity" only needs a few seconds to be committed.
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Scam Alert:
- Door-to-Door Scams
o Some companies & organizations are conducting door-to-door; however, we advise everyone to firstly ask for the individuals name and ID number, confirm that this individual is an employee with the company – via phone call – and also confirm that their company is in fact running a door-to-door solicitation
- CRA Phone Call Scams
o Please be advised that the CRA will never – even during COVID-19 – issue arrest warrants or ask for payments over the phone; if you receive a call asking you to pay to avoid arrest, hang up and call the Chilliwack RCMP Non-emergency line at (604) 792-4611
- SIM Swapping Scams
o This relatively new scam comes in the form of an email; the scammer will contact you under an email domain similar to your provider’s and offer “limited time offers”, these can be difficult to spot, however if the email senders name does not specifically state Shaw/Telus/Rogers, etc. then it is likely a scam. To make sure, contact your provider to confirm the limited time offers that are listed in the email
- Amazon Scam
o Individuals are receiving calls and texts from scammers staging as Amazon employees. They will ask for Credit Card info or your Amazon Account details, they may even as to remotely connect to your computer. This is a scam and should be reported to the local authorities.
- "Dubai Gold Scam"
o This scam is where the suspect will convince unsuspecting victims regarding Dubai Gold for cheap prices ($200 - $1000). This has been happening frequently across the Lower Mainland. If this happens to you please contact the RCMP as well as the BC Fraud Alert Line.
If you believe you may have been scammed, call the RCMP Non-emergency line (604 792-4611) and the BC Fraud Alert Line (1-800-348-5358).
We hope you are all staying safe.
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o Some companies & organizations are conducting door-to-door; however, we advise everyone to firstly ask for the individuals name and ID number, confirm that this individual is an employee with the company – via phone call – and also confirm that their company is in fact running a door-to-door solicitation
- CRA Phone Call Scams
o Please be advised that the CRA will never – even during COVID-19 – issue arrest warrants or ask for payments over the phone; if you receive a call asking you to pay to avoid arrest, hang up and call the Chilliwack RCMP Non-emergency line at (604) 792-4611
- SIM Swapping Scams
o This relatively new scam comes in the form of an email; the scammer will contact you under an email domain similar to your provider’s and offer “limited time offers”, these can be difficult to spot, however if the email senders name does not specifically state Shaw/Telus/Rogers, etc. then it is likely a scam. To make sure, contact your provider to confirm the limited time offers that are listed in the email
- Amazon Scam
o Individuals are receiving calls and texts from scammers staging as Amazon employees. They will ask for Credit Card info or your Amazon Account details, they may even as to remotely connect to your computer. This is a scam and should be reported to the local authorities.
- "Dubai Gold Scam"
o This scam is where the suspect will convince unsuspecting victims regarding Dubai Gold for cheap prices ($200 - $1000). This has been happening frequently across the Lower Mainland. If this happens to you please contact the RCMP as well as the BC Fraud Alert Line.
If you believe you may have been scammed, call the RCMP Non-emergency line (604 792-4611) and the BC Fraud Alert Line (1-800-348-5358).
We hope you are all staying safe.
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Chilliwack Break & Enter Spree
Recently there has been an increase of car break-ins as well as garage break-ins in Chilliwack! The suspects have been able to gain access to the garages by using the garage openers left in vehicles. We advise everyone to conduct a “9 p.m. Routine” and remove all values (including keys, garage door openers, etc.) at 9 p.m.
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Crime Reporting Options
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