Saanich News, February 06, 2015

Page 1

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

Gray Rothnie

250 744 7034

www.graymatters.ca

Connected to More

®

Watch for breaking news at www.saanichnews.com

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

editor@saanichnews.com

Idyllic Queenswood acreage 4004 Robin Street $1,499,000 MLS 345549

RE/MAX Camosun

Immaculate Gorge Condo #301-2900 Orillia Street $339,900 MLS 344989

250.220.5061

2014 Cordova Bay Family Home 5092 Clutesi Street $1,089,000 MLS 345184

www.preferredhomes.ca

Guy

Scott

Karl


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Saanich News, February 06, 2015 by Black Press Media Group - Issuu