A Vancouver Island resident’s attempt to rent a home led them to becoming a ‘money mule’ in an international fraud ring.
Oak Bay police report a resident sent $2,100 via e-transfer to a prospective landlord in Vancouver, which was later confirmed to be fraudulent.
“Police initiated an investigation involving a judicial authorization to trace the funds to an account in Quebec, where the holder had unknowingly acted as a “money mule” for an international fraud suspect met through an online dating site,” according to a Nov. 26 release from the Oak Bay Police Department, who received assistance from the Surete du Quebec.
Police say the individual had converted funds into cryptocurrency and was also defrauded.
The international suspect and their whereabouts remain unknown.
Oak Bay police have issued a reminder on ways to prevent becoming a victim of fraud. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Do not accept e-transfers for others – this enables fraudsters to move proceeds of crime.
For rentals, insist on a walk-through before payment. Be wary of pressure tactics or threats demanding immediate payment. If in doubt, contact your local police for advice or to report concerns.