An all too familiar fraud saw a Bashaw area resident fall victim to the tune of $165.
Bashaw RCMP were contacted on July 7 by a woman who was taken in by a deceptive scam that continues to catch people.
Police explained the woman performed an online search for ‘How to contact Apple’ and then called the phone number that appeared on her screen. Once she made contact with an individual on the other end, she was advised to purchase a number of iTunes gift cards and the issues with her phone would be resolved on their end.
The woman did this and wound up getting ripped off in this common scam.
RCMP remind people to be aware that legitimate businesses will not accept payment for work in gift cards.
Officers from the Bashaw detachment also responded to a break and enter on July 5 at the Rutherford Community Hall, located along Secondary Highway 605 near Range Road 234.
The building, which historically was a school in the area, saw several items stolen from inside including a bingo machine and a coffee pot. Police are continuing to investigate.
A reminder
The Bashaw RCMP also urge the public to remember that preventing crime is a responsibility that citizens also share with police.
People can assist in this by: Locking up houses, sheds, vehicles and any other property that is easily accessible; never leaving running vehicles unlocked; have photos taken of property along with serial numbers recorded; and call police immediately of any suspicious suspects or activity in the area.
Police note that nearly half of vehicle thefts in Alberta over the last year have had the keys left inside.
Anyone with information regarding either of the above mentioned incidents are asked to call the Bashaw RCMP at (780) 372-3793 during regular business hours. If a person wishes to remain anonymous, they can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips that lead to an arrest may qualify for a reward.