The Nelson Police Department responded to 177 calls for service from February 9 to 22.
Of these calls, one involved a Nelson resident who approached police after falling victim to an attempted online extortion scam following the sharing of intimate images.
A press release from the department states that the victim joined an app that allows people to video chat with strangers worldwide.
During a video call, the victim shared sensitive images without knowing that the suspect was recording.
The suspect threatened to send the images to the victim’s friends, family, and workplace unless money was sent.
At this point, the victim ceased communication and contacted the police.
“Cyber extortion and scams are common and can have a devastating impact on their victims. It is important to learn about the techniques scammers use and protect yourself online,” says Special Constable Edwards.
Edwards says that once scammers have sensitive material, there is no way to stop them from posting it. However, she notes that many scammers will stop once they realize they aren’t going to be able to bully their victim into paying, whereas sending money will likely lead to more demands.
Police say the victim asked that their story be shared so others can better protect themselves online.
“Don’t be afraid to contact the police if it happens to you.”
If you have been targeted in an extortion scam, contact the police immediately.
Police arrest impaired driver
On the morning of Tuesday, February 10, Nelson Police responded to a collision call in a commercial parking lot.
Police were called to the scene by paramedics requesting assistance. Upon arrival, officers saw a small car that had driven headlong into a power pole in the near-empty lot.
The driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
After being medically cleared, the driver spoke to police and admitted they were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
This confession was confirmed when the driver failed an approved screening device test, with a blood alcohol content of more than 0.08 per cent. The individual was subsequently arrested for impaired driving, issued a ticket, and given a 90-day driving suspension.
To report dangerous driving, contact the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919.
Nelson Police seize fake ID cards
Police say they’ve seized multiple fake ID cards in recent weeks, which were confiscated by a local business when underage youths attempted to use them to purchase cannabis.
“At a glance, the ID cards were passable imitations of a combined BC driver’s licence and services card but had several discrepancies on closer inspection,” said Special Constable Edwards.
The fraudulent cards were made of thinner plastic than legitimate ID cards.
They had no raised lettering and were missing the reflective markings that should have been present. Inspection under ultraviolet light revealed further inaccuracies.
The use, trafficking, or possession of a forged document is a criminal offence in Canada.
Police are investigating the source of the ID cards and ask that local businesses be on the lookout for fake ID cards.
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