SEE E D I S IN
Famıly saanich
Royal flush
Family passion for Victoria Royals hockey runs deep Page A33
Special 16 page Family Day Edition
NEWS: Saanich tsumani threat mapped /A3 ARTS: Mother-daughter book project a winner /A9 DRIVEWAY: Italian-made Jeep crosses the pond /A12
SAANICHNEWS Friday, February 6, 2015
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Phoney phones a sneaky scam: Saanich police Daniel Palmer News staff
Saanich police are warning of a smartphone scam using knock-off technology after they arrested a seller in a sting operation. Police were first tipped off to the scam by a Saanich man who had purchased a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 for about $580 from a private seller on UsedVictoria.com. “When the buyer arrived home, he realized certain functions of the phone did not work,” said Sgt. Steve Eassie at a press conference on Tuesday. The man took the phone to a local electronics store and was told the device was likely a knock-off that used cheaper technology. The phone was functional and could make calls using a SIM card, but the camera and other built-in Samsung software were missing, Eassie said. Police then found a similar posting online and set up a sting operation. After meeting the seller and purchasing a knock-off phone, a 24-year-old Kelowna man was arrested and later released.
Police found another two phoney phones in the man’s possession. Samsung officials told Saanich police the knockoff phones were likely only worth about $150. “We believe there are others to may have fallen prey to this individual,” said Eassie, adding officers found text messages between the seller and other potential buyers. The seller also has ties to Alberta and there could be more victims there, he said. Eassie suggested buyers who purchase phones online from a private seller verify the phone’s serial number using online “Black lists” set up by mobile providers to ensure the phone hasn’t been reported lost or stolen. “In this case, the serial number was actually a fake,” Eassie said. “You can also bring the phone in to Future Shop or another retailer, and those guys are pretty good at figuring out if it’s authentic.” Usedvictoria.com recommends buyers and sellers meet in person, in a public place and with a friend whenever completing sales.
Family Day fun
Eight-year-old Nadia Peicu enjoys an afternoon skate with her dad Liviu at Pearkes Arena on Wednesday. The ice rink, as well as several swimming pools across Greater Victoria, will be open on Monday for Family Day activities. See Page A4 for more Family Day activities around Saanich and across the region. Daniel Palmer/News staff
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