New Westminster police are reminding the public to be vigilant when it comes to protecting personal banking information, after a local woman lost $1,300 in an online scam.
According to a press release, an unamed resident filled out an online contract with an online bank called Citi Plan. In order to receive a loan for $5,000, she was asked to provide her name, signature, contact information and banking details, including her routing number, type of account and bank account number.
"The resident believed she was applying for a loan of $5,000 and was required to send funds as collateral to obtain the loan through 'Citi Plan,'" stated the release.
After she was advised her credit score wasn't high enough to "obtain the funds outright," she then sent two transactions via Western Union to the online bank.
According to police, when asked to send a third transaction the resident became suspicious and contacted police who were unable to locate the company. he website and phone number have since been shut down.
By Cayley Dobie, staff reporter
