News release

Beware of phishing scam – vehicle history reports

August 1, 2025 - Ladysmith, British Columbia
From: Ladysmith RCMP

Content

The RCMP is cautioning the public about a phishing scam that recently surfaced in Ladysmith.

This scam occurred on Facebook Marketplace where potential buyers are targeting individuals selling used vehicles. The suspect(s) will typically approach the seller and ask for a vehicle history report first, luring sellers to a fraudulent website link. While the website may deceptively look legitimate, the seller’s personal information that is entered can potentially leads to identity fraud.

What is identity fraud?

Identity fraud happens when criminals use stolen personal information. It is often used to commit another crime.

Criminals can use your stolen or reproduced information to:

• access your computer/email
• access your bank accounts
• open new bank accounts
• transfer bank balances
• apply for loans and credit cards
• buy goods and services
• hide their criminal activities
• get passports or receive government benefits

What is phishing?

Criminals use tactics to trick you into giving your personal information or clicking on links. These tactics could be:

• email and website name spoofing
• urgency
• offers of refunds or money
• seemingly "harmless" requests to click links, download attachments or fill out forms online
• Instructions to scan a QR code

Actions you can take to protect yourself

• be wary of unsolicited e-mails, text messages, telephone calls or mail asking you for personal or financial information
• check your credit reports, bank and credit card statements and report any irregularities
• shred personal and financial documents before putting them in the garbage
• retrieve your mail on a regular basis to limit possible mail theft
• when you move, notify the post office and your relevant financial institutions and service providers

Contacts