A stranger in distress knocking at your door asking for money? Don’t do it. It could be a scam.
Mounties in Coquitlam are reminding the public not to give money to strangers at the door. Since July, they’ve investigated seven “tow truck” frauds. According to a Sept. 17 advisory, in most cases the suspect knocked on the victim’s door, claiming to need money for a tow truck after being in a car accident. The suspect was allegedly able to defraud a number people using this method, prompting police to issue an alert.
“If people come to your house and ask for money for a tow truck or other charitable donations, verify their claims first before giving them anything,”
Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung said. Legitimate canvassers have no problem showing people their credentials or work identification, he added.
If someone asks for money to pay for a tow truck, Chung advises offering to help them by offering to call police on their behalf. Do not give them cash.
To report a fraud or find out more information, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
– Cloverdale Reporter
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