Image Credit: Kelowna City Guide
January 22, 2014 - 8:34 AM
KELOWNA - A scam that's been around since the dawn of man is being brought door-to-door in Pandosy and Sutherland areas.
These days, police call it the 'hard luck hoax'. The scammer arrives on your doorstep with the saddest of tales claiming they need a bit of cash to help them through. They might even claim to be a neighbour. They might promise to pay you back, but they never return. The money is gone.
One trusting person handed over their debit card during the recent rash in Kelowna south, not far from the Hospital.
"In one case, the suspect was given a bank card and the corresponding personal identification number (PIN) for the purpose of $40," RCMP Const. Kris Clark says. "He instead withdrew $400 and never returned with the card."
Police are still investigating.
The suspect in all cases is described as Caucasian, 5'7" with a stocky build, mid-30s with brown hair.
The RCMP has tips to prevent being scammed.
- Don’t feel pressured and give money to someone you don't know
- Keep your bank cards in a safe place and never lend them to anyone. Conducting an Automatic Banking Machine (ABM) or debit transaction requires both your card and your PIN.
- Never disclose your PIN to anyone. No one from a legitimate financial institution, police service, or business should ask for your PIN.
- Call police if you believe it is a scam
Anyone with any information regarding the identity of the suspect is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP, Const. Mclean at 250-762-3300. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014