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RCMP arrest 'serial fraudster' in West Vancouver

Police allege she was using a point of sale terminal to process bogus refunds to her own credit card.
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North Vancouver RCMP are alleging a West Vancouver woman used a point of sale machine to defraud her employer of $80,000. | Adrian Lam / Times Colonist

North Vancouver RCMP have arrested a West Vancouver woman on allegations she defrauded her employer of $80,000.

Between June and September 2021, the woman was working for a local business, according to a release from the RCMP. While the owner was out of town, police say the employee, who is in her 30s, was using the company’s point of sale terminal to process several large bogus “refunds,” directing the money to her own credit card.

When the boss returned, he discovered the missing finances and called police. After getting court orders to access financial records and collecting evidence, North Vancouver RCMP members arrested the woman on Sunday. They will soon be asking the Crown to lay a charge of fraud over $5,000, said Const. Mansoor Sahak, North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson.

Sahak could not say what the local business was, but he said the incident underscores the importance of keeping a close eye on the books and being ready to report anything suspicious.

“Reducing frauds in North Vancouver is a priority for the community. We have specialized units who use advanced investigative techniques to target these offences, and just as this situation demonstrates, we rely on the community to call us when they feel something is not right.” Sahak said.

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