Card-skimmer caught in Kelowna
A 22-year-old Kelowna man is facing a string of charges after he was arrested in connection with a card-skimming operation this weekend.
On Saturday afternoon, the Kelowna RCMP responded to a complaint of a possible fraud on the 500-block of Glenmeadows Road.
A man wearing an identification card was telling residents in the neighbourhood he was collecting donations on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House Charity and had apparently just taken money from a resident with the use of a portable debit device.
The resident immediately phoned Ronald McDonald House and was advised that this was an ongoing scam. She provide police with a description and the suspect was taken into custody a short distance away.
The man was identified as James Alexander Graham, who is known to police. He remains in custody to appear in court on tomorrow.
Neighbourhood inquiries indicated that Graham had canvassed the area and there were further victims. Subsequent investigation also revealed that this may be the tip of the iceberg with over 47 victims in just a few days in both Kelowna and Salmon Arm.
Graham has been charged with 4 counts each of fraud under $5000, theft under $5000, personation, and false pretences. More charges may be recommended pending further investigation.
If you have been a victim of this scam, please call your local police, and report any compromised credit cards to your financial institution.
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