Penticton RCMP are investigating the source for distributed fraudulent alert letters claiming toxic chemtrails are being released by aircraft.

(SHANNON QUESNEL / iNFOnews.ca)

UPDATE: 4:48 p.m. July 17, 2013

The City of Kelowna has verified a fraudulent letter warning residents about toxic chemtrails has been distributed to local residents. 

Communications supervisor, Jodie Foster Sexsmith told Infotel News the city is aware of the letters and has contacted the Ministry of the Environment about them, to let them know the letters exist. She says there have been a few calls about the letters from residents, but there are no plans for further action at this time. She says for now, the city will monitor the situation.

UPDATE: 3:45 p.m. July 17, 2013

WEST KELOWNA - A fraudulent letter distributed in Penticton warning residents about toxic chemtrails has also been distributed in West Kelowna.

The District sent out a press release today warning of the letter, signed by 'Susan Smith'. The letter alleges to be from the city's environmental department.

The press release from the District of West Kelowna is as follows:

"Public Advised to Disregard False Letter

Business owners and residents are advised to disregard a letter using the name District of West Kelowna and bearing a logo resembling the District’s that is being circulated in the community. This letter claims to be from the District’s Environment Department, signed by Susan Smith and involves chemtrails. The District of West Kelowna does not have an Environment Department, nor an employee named Susan Smith and is not distributing letters regarding chemtrails.

West Kelowna RCMP has been advised that these false letters are being distributed in this community. The District of West Kelowna welcomes any information regarding who is responsible for the distribution of these false letters. Information can be provided by calling 778-797-1000."

2:34 p.m. July 16, 2013

PENTICTON - The Penticton RCMP are investigating fraudulent letters distributed in the community.

The 'alert' letters appear with the City of Penticton letterhead at top and warns residents of toxic chemtrails left by passing aircraft. It is signed Susan Smith and it alleges to be from the city's environment department. 

City spokesperson Simone Blais said these letters are fakes. The city does not have an environment department, nor does a Susan Smith work for the city.

In recent days, the City of Penticton has been responding to numerous enquiries regarding misinformation that has been circulating through various means including ‘Alert Notices’ distributed on vehicles in downtown parking lots and social networking.

The city appreciates any information the public can provide on the person or persons who have initiated this information. 

The RCMP has been informed of this matter and it is under investigation.

To contact a reporter for this story, to send photos or videos, email Shannon Quesnel at squesnel@infotelnews.ca, call 250-488-3065 or tweet @shannonquesnel1

News from © iNFOnews, 2013