The hard-luck hoax is rearing its ugly head in Kelowna this week and police are warning the public of a group of people who want to pilfer your petty cash.
“In the past week, the Kelowna RCMP have received at least a half dozen reports of the hard luck hoax throughout Kelowna. Basically, a man approaches the potential victim and asks for money as he is having car troubles and needs a tow,” said Const. Kris Clark.
Several descriptions have been provided and it appears that at least three people are involved in the scam. The suspects have even gone as far as dressing up in hard hats or hi-visibility vests and carried jumper cables. The suspect, in some cases, has offered to exchange a $100 US bill for $40 Canadian. The exchange is never made however, as the suspect snags your money and runs.
“What is especially concerning about this most recent rash of the hard-luck hoax, is that some people have been going to meet the tow truck driver with the scammer,” said Clark.
“The accomplice is not a tow truck driver, nor is there even a tow truck around, but the addition of the second suspect puts potential victims in danger of further harm.”
If you’re approached in a similar manner, don’t fall for this hard-luck scenario. Scammers will continue to sell their deceit as long as people are willing to buy it.
You can report fraud and other scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/reportit_howtoreportfraud.html
