Release:

 

September 2, 2011, Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)…Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are investigating a theft of money in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia.

 

On August 31, 2011, a woman gave a man she met online one week earlier her bank card and personal identification number (PIN) to purchase fuel. Afterwards, the woman noticed other money taken from her bank account.

 

On September 1, 2011, the woman contacted the RCMP because she believed the man stole the missing money from her bank account.

 

Later that day, the man returned to the woman’s house while RCMP were on scene, and gave police a false name. Further investigation revealed the man gave the woman a false name, and was in possession of cash believed to be from the woman’s bank account.

 

Cory Daniel Oickle, 31, from Halifax has been charged under the Criminal Code with Theft under $5000 and Obstructing a Peace Officer. He appeared in Dartmouth Provincial court and has been remanded into custody until September 6, 2011.

 

RCMP would like to warn the public about the importance of protecting your PIN. It is important to ensure that you safeguard that information to ensure you do not become a victim to criminals.

 

If your debit card is lost, stolen or retained by an automated bank machine, notify the financial institution immediately. Never give out your PIN – it should be retained in memory and only you should know it. If you suspect someone knows your PIN, even a friend or family member, change it immediately.

 

The online dating community has become a popular place for meeting people. RCMP warn the public to take all possible steps to ensure you establish the identity of the person you are meeting for your own personal safety and security.