DAWSON CREEK, BC: Police in Dawson Creek are sending out a warning to the public relating to a current cheque scam targeting individuals.

This year police have responded to multiple calls of service in the Dawson Creek and surrounding area involving persons using NSF cheques to purchase high-value items such as electronics and vehicles. As example, a local resident recently sold an expensive automobile for which he accepted a cheque which eventually bounced back as NSF (non-sufficient funds).

Fraudsters purchase the high valued items using personal cheque, which; after being deposited by the victims, eventually bounce as a result of insufficient funds, ultimately leaving the victims empty handed. The victims typically do not become aware of the bounced cheques until days after the deposit.

Protect Yourself and MEET IN PERSON with the person you are going to sell your items to:

• DO NOT hand over items without confirmed receipt of payment. Use E-Transfer or Cash as both forms of payment are immediate and there is no hold on deposit.
• DO NOT accept personal cheques for items being sold. Instead request to have purchaser use certified cheques from their banking institution.
• DO NOT sign over ownership of vehicles without confirming funds were received.
• DO NOT sign over ownership of vehicles without proper documents being completed fully.

If you are a victim of fraud in which you have incurred a financial/property loss, call your local police to report the incident. Record details of your interaction with the fraudster including phone numbers, email addresses and communication with the scammer. Photographs or screenshots of the messages are helpful.