Sunshine Coast RCMP are warning consumers that the elderly continue to be the target of deceptive door-to-door sales people.
Last month, an elderly female notified RCMP that she'd been defrauded of $17,000. Upon investigation, it was discovered the male who committed the fraud had been doing the same type of scam throughout the Lower Mainland, and the Sunshine Coast.
"The male is currently on a conditional sentencing order dating back to a fraud in 2008 where he defrauded an elderly man of $36,000," said Const. Jennifer Balfour in a news release. "The male approaches elderly people and discusses work that could be done on their house. A contract is written and the male asks for a cheque to cover the cost of supplies. Throughout the next few weeks the male goes back to the homeowner requesting more money for various supplies, building contracts and unexpected other costs.
"Each time the male is written a cheque, which he cashes almost immediately at the bank. Construction is never attempted nor completed."
If you believe you have been the victim of a fraud similar to this, contact Const. Balfour referencing police file 2010-6100.
-Submitted by Sunshine Coast RCMP
