Police are asking Nanaimo residents be vigilant after two reports this past week of a fraudulent charity representative going door-to-door soliciting money.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, a female came to a Garside Place residence on March 7 seeking money for the B.C. Open Heart Society. She had a plastic salad bowl, society pamphlets and a handmade name tag. She received $6 and left the area, RCMP said.
RCMP said a second incident occurred on March 9 when a female approached a home on Black Powder Trail with a can, saying she was with the B.C. Heart and Stroke Foundation. The owner didn’t give any money and called the foundation, which stated it wasn’t canvassing in that area.
The society was also contacted and it stated the suspect’s pamphlets were at least 15 years old. Furthermore, the society said it doesn’t canvass door-to-door, RCMP said.
The suspect is described as a white female, about 5-foot-2, 150 pounds, 60 to 70 years old with short grey hair.
“Legitimate canvassers will have professionally made legible name tags and will welcome and be able to be address any questions concerning the organization they represent,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. “If you have concerns, do not give any money and call the organization to confirm they are legit.”
