North Vancouver RCMP arrest 26-year-old suspect for selling fake smartphones

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      After North Vancouver RCMP warned the public about a series of counterfeit smartphone sales, a suspect has been arrested and charged for this scam.

      Since the beginning of 2019, North Vancouver RCMP received 12 reports from victims who had purchased phony smartphones and police had seized 15 fake smartphones.

      Although the smartphones appear realistic, and included convincing packaging, receipts, components and accessories, and more, they are actually shells that only have minimal software to make them appear to be phones but do not actually function.

      On March 12, RCMP used a search warrant at a North Vancouver residence where they seized seven fake phones.

      Officers arrested 26-year-old Jesse Sailer of North Vancouver. He appeared in a North Vancouver Provincial Court on August 28 and is facing charges of fraud under $5,000.

      RCMP are warning buyers to make purchases from established retailers. More tips on protecting yourself from fraud is available at the RCMP website

      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at @cinecraig or on Facebook

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