A fraud artist has been targeting elderly people in Quesnel, the community's RCMP is warning.
The detachment has received calls about a woman approaching seniors at their homes by knocking on their doors and, when they answer, giving them a story about being in distress and needing money.
In other cases, she has claimed to be a health care worker sent to provide medical treatment.
"The incidents have targeted elderly residents and the suspect has preyed on their vulnerability," said Quesnel RCMP Cst. Krista Vrolyk.
Residents are urged to not allow strangers into their homes unless they can produce legitimate identification.
Here are some further tips:
- If you are expecting a visit from a care giver or service provider, ensure that you specify a time and feel free to ask for identification to confirm the person's affiliation with the business or agency or a phone call just prior to their attendance.
- Use a wide angle viewer (peephole) in order to obtain a visual of the person knocking at the door before opening it.
- Do not keep large amounts of money in your home.
- Mark valuables for identification. Volunteers from the Quesnel Community Policing office offer help in that regard. Call 250-992-5743. (In Prince George, call 250-561-3366 or drop by their office at 575 Brunswick St.)
- Keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your bank. If this is not possible, keep them locked up in a reasonable hiding place in your home.
- Report and suspicious activity to RCMP immediately. Include a detailed account of what happened with a description of suspects, direction of travel and vehicle description with license plate.
