Door-to-door scams target Penticton seniors
Penticton seniors are being targeted by scammers posing as maintenance workers.
Penticton RCMP say the suspects are focusing on apartment complexes and retirement homes, claiming they need to check safety systems like fire alarms and sprinklers.
"Once inside, the suspects create a diversion by asking the senior to retrieve something from another room, allowing them to be left unattended," reads a Penticton RCMP news release issued today, Oct. 1.
They'll then steal money and valuables while the resident isn't looking.
It's not the only door-to-door scam in the community.
Police say suspects posing as contractors have offered to pave driveways and often ask seniors to pay upfront. The victims will often be left with either unfinished or shoddy work, if it was done at all, Penticton RCMP said.
“This type of scam specifically targets some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” Penticton RCMP media relations officer Const. Kelly Brett says in the release. “We want to remind the public to be cautious and verify who they are allowing into their homes or hiring for services.”
It's not clear whether the two types of scams are related or being carried out by the same people. It's also not clear how many victims have come forward.
Penticton RCMP are warning the public, however, not to let anyone inside their home without proper identification and to confirm with building managers before allowing maintenance work.
Police also say strangers shouldn't be left unattended inside homes and residents should be cautious of any unsolicited driveway or home maintenance services.
Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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