Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Suspect arrested in debit card scam

A joint investigation by the Whistler RCMP, Vancouver Police Department and various banks and credit unions has led to the arrest of a male in Vancouver in relation to debit card skimming in Whistler.

A joint investigation by the Whistler RCMP, Vancouver Police Department and various banks and credit unions has led to the arrest of a male in Vancouver in relation to debit card skimming in Whistler.

According to the RCMP, 16 people have come forward so far to report more than $30,000 of unapproved withdrawls at machines in Vancouver, West Vancouver and Richmond.

The thieves used special card scanners at Whistler businesses to copy card information and PIN numbers, then used imprinters to create phony cards that they used to withdraw cash.

According to Sgt. Steve Wright two local businesses have been identified as targets for the scammers, Quizno's on Main Street and Subway at Creekside. Other businesses may also have been targetted.

"These businesses are victims of this fraud as well as the card holders and the banks," stressed Sgt. Wright.

Hundreds, if not thousands of Whistler residents have been advised that their cards may have been compromised in recent months, and have had their cards cancelled.

The suspect can not be identified until his first appearance in court on June 19. In the meantime the Whistler RCMP is continuing to assist Vancouver Police department, which is in the process of identifying other suspects.

RCMP investigate break-ins

Sea to Sky RCMP are investigating three break-ins in recent weeks.

At 2 a.m. on May 27 the RCMP answered an alarm at the Whistler Garden Centre at approximately 2 a.m. The front door had been pried open. The RCMP and the store are still trying to determine if anything was taken.

On the same night a thief or thieves broke into the Birken River Hatchery building, stealing cash, fishing rods, DVDs, Playstation 2 games, and two guitars. Entry was gained through a broken window.

On Monday May 30 there was an alarm at the Blackcomb Daylodge at 7:35 p.m. It appears that nothing was taken although the RCMP are still investigating.