Trail and Greater District RCMP weekly report - 2023-02-27

Trail and Greater District

2023-02-27 15:02 PST

Beware of local rental fraud!

File # 2023-803

On February 22nd, 2023, at 5:40 p.m., a frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officer received a report about a rental fraud that occurred in the 300 block of 9th Avenue, in Trail, BC.

A Ymir couple were looking for a rental property in the Trail area. The couple had completed an online search for a rental property and located an advertisement on a popular website. They contacted the suspect who had posted the advertisement about the opportunity. The suspect asked them to sign a rental agreement and send a deposit prior to meeting with them and showing the residence. The couple became suspicious yet remained hopeful about the prospect. They decided to visit the property before making any financial transaction. The couple located the real owner of the residence and confirmed it was not available for rent. An officer advised the couple to cease all contact with the suspect.

The matter was investigated further by the officer. A suspect was not identified during the subsequent investigation.

The couple in this incident did the right thing in this situation. They confirmed that the residence was not being rented before sending any money to anyone. Please use extra caution when dealing with anyone online especially when asked for money immediately. Billions of dollars are stolen every year this way from unsuspecting victims. says Sgt. Wicentowich

Online extortion incidents

File # 2023-852

On February 25th, 2023, at 4:41 p.m., a frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officer received a report about a victim being targeted by an online extortion attempt in Fruitvale, BC.

The victim had sent a nude photograph to an unknown suspect through a social media account after developing a relationship with the suspect. Once the photograph was sent, the suspect threatened to post the picture to the victim’s social media accounts unless $500 was transferred electronically to prevent this act. The victim immediately contacted the Trail Detachment and reported the crime.

An officer advised the victim to cease contact with the suspect and not to transfer any money electronically. An officer provided guidance to the victim on how to prevent another incident in the future.

The matter was investigated further by the officer. A suspect was not identified during the subsequent investigation.

I recently attended an event that provided information on online extortion. In one reported case, a victim was extorted of $50,000 before the police intervened. Remember that you are not alone. Please reach out to the police immediately if someone is attempting to take advantage of you online. The police can help stop the crime from occurring to you. says Sgt. Wicentowich.

File # 2023-868

On February 26th, 2023, at 6:52 p.m., a frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officer received a report about an attempted online extortion that targeted a victim in the Trail area. The victim reported an unknown suspect had intimate images depicting him/her and demanded money. The suspect threatened to post the images online and onto his/her social media accounts. The victim noted that the images were created nine years ago and was surprised about them resurfacing.

The victim contacted the Trail Detachment and spoke to an investigating officer. The officer advised the victim to block all contact with the suspect, ensure all personal online accounts were secure, and not to transfer any money electronically. The victim followed the guidance from the police.

The matter was investigated further by the officer. A suspect was not identified during the subsequent investigation.

A common crime today is the exploitation and extortion of victims by using their own intimate photographs however obtained. You can best protect yourself by not sending images. Please remember that this kind of material is easily shared and lasts forever once released onto the internet. says Sgt. Wicentowich

Cybertip.ca is Canada’s national tip line for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.
Cybertip.ca is just one of the tools that the public can use to help combat online children exploitation. They offer tools, education, and assistance in many areas including sextortion, child sexual abuse, online grooming, support for survivors, and reducing the online availability of child sexual abuse material.

A highlight in this organization is Project Arachnid. Project Arachnid is a victim-centred platform which searches child sexual abuse material. If CSAM material is identified, the hosting provider is contacted and requested to remove the content. This project has been successful in removing thousands of harmful images from the internet.

If you believe this service may be able to assist you, please visit cybertip.ca for more information.

This is a helpful resource for those looking for answers and assistance before contacting the police. Please note that if you know about a child who is in immediate danger or at risk, call your local police detachment immediately. says Sgt. Wicentowich

A reminder that winter driving conditions are still in effect.

File # 2023-855

On February 25th, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., a frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officer was conducting a routine patrol when he observed a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe had struck a power pole near the intersection of Hanna Drive and Highway 22, in Trail, BC. A 45-year-old Oasis man reported that he was driving his vehicle when he lost control on the snowy roadway. His vehicle slid into the power pole and damaged it. He was not injured in the incident and his vehicle was towed from the scene.

A local utility service was contacted to repair the damaged power pole.

Please slow down and use caution as variable weather conditions have led to some particularly slippery roads and a number of single vehicle crashes. Good winter tires and defensive driving skills are critical in reducing the risk of you being involved a crash. says Sgt. Wicentowich

Special Olympics BC Event at Trail Gyro Park on Saturday, March 4th, 2023

Trail RCMP would like to highlight that the Special Olympics BC will be hosting a water balloon fight and cold plunge event for athletes, coaches, and volunteers who would like to participate this Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Trail RCMP officers will be participating in the event.

Released by

Cpl. James Grandy

Email: james.grandy@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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