B.C. Girl Guides have raised concerns following reports of individuals falling victim to online scams while attempting to purchase their highly sought-after mint chocolate cookies on the internet. Members of a Facebook group in Campbell River, B.C., shared incidents where sellers, claiming to be affiliated with the Girl Guides, offered to sell cookies and provide delivery services. However, after receiving e-transfer payments for multiple boxes of cookies, some as high as four boxes priced at $6 each, the sellers ceased communication.
Given that the cookie sales are a vital source of funding for the volunteer-based Girl Guides organization, these fraudulent activities have prompted warnings about online safety practices. Diamond Isinger, a volunteer spokesperson for B.C. Girl Guides, highlighted the significance of the cookie fundraisers in supporting various organizational activities. The annual report of the organization indicated that in 2024, over 12,600 girls were registered with the B.C. chapter, and across Canada, a total of five million boxes of cookies were sold last year.
Isinger emphasized that there are legitimate avenues to purchase cookies within communities, such as door-to-door sales and public booth setups, which can be located on the Girl Guides’ website. Despite the unfortunate scam incidents, Isinger encouraged continued support for the essential programs benefiting children, youth, and adults.
Const. Maury Tyre, a spokesperson for the Campbell River RCMP, acknowledged the online posts regarding cookie scams but mentioned that no official reports had been received by the detachment yet. Tyre advised caution when making online purchases, suggesting avoiding pre-payment or deposits, especially on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, where fraudsters may operate with fake profiles.
David Shipley, CEO of Beauceron Security, expressed concerns about the broader implications of such scams, underscoring the erosion of trust and negative impact on the Girl Guides’ reputation. He urged individuals who have fallen victim to report the incidents to local authorities or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Shipley also called for increased accountability from major platforms like Meta, Facebook’s parent company, in combating the proliferation of online scams.
In conclusion, the online community is urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when engaging in online transactions to safeguard against fraudulent activities that harm both consumers and reputable organizations like the Girl Guides.