B.C. Girl Guides have issued a cautionary alert following reports from multiple social media users who fell victim to scams while attempting to purchase the popular mint chocolate cookies online. Members of a Facebook group in Campbell River, B.C., shared posts where individuals claimed their daughters, who were allegedly part of the Girl Guides, needed to sell cookies and were available for delivery. However, once the buyers sent an e-transfer payment, often for multiple $6 cookie boxes, the sellers ceased communication.
Given that the fundraising from cookie sales is vital for the volunteer-run Girl Guides organization, these fraudulent activities have prompted advisories on online safety. Diamond Isinger, a volunteer spokesperson for B.C. Girl Guides, expressed surprise at this type of scam attempt, emphasizing the significant role that cookie sales play in supporting the organization’s operations. The organization, with over 12,600 registered girls in B.C. in 2024, distributed five million cookie boxes nationwide last year.
Isinger emphasized the importance of finding legitimate ways to purchase cookies, such as through door-to-door sales or public booth setups, details of which can be found on the Girl Guides website. She urged supporters not to be discouraged by such incidents but to continue backing the essential programs for children, youth, and adults. Const. Maury Tyre from Campbell River RCMP advised caution while making online purchases, suggesting that buyers avoid pre-paying or providing deposits, particularly on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, where fake profiles are prevalent.
David Shipley, CEO of Beauceron Security, highlighted the detrimental impact of scams like those involving Girl Guide cookies, stressing the erosion of trust and damage to the organization’s reputation. He recommended reporting any fraudulent activities to local authorities or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which dealt with over 100,000 fraud reports totaling $638 million in losses last year. Shipley called on the federal government to address online safety issues promptly, urging platforms like Meta to take responsibility for preventing such scams from proliferating.
Overall, the incidents involving the online sale of Girl Guide cookies serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for vigilance and awareness when engaging in online transactions.
