The Sunshine Coast RCMP is warning residents to watch for deceptive door-to-door sales people after a number of elderly citizens were tricked out of thousands of dollars.
Mounties say a man has been approaching elderly people offering to do work on their homes. After writing a contract, he will ask for a cheque to cover the cost of supplies.
In the following weeks, the man returns to the homes asking for more money to cover unexpected costs.
According to an RCMP release, the cheques are cashed "almost immediately" but "construction is never attempted nor completed."
In early August, an elderly Sunshine Coast woman called police to report she had been defrauded of $17,000.
Police identified a suspect, who they believe is responsible for several similar scams committed throughout the Lower Mainland and the Sunshine Coast.
The individual, whose name has not been released, is currently on a conditional sentencing order dating back to 2008 when he was accused of defrauding an elderly man of $36,000.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a similar fraud is asked to contact Const. Balfour of the Sunshine Coast RCMP at 604-885-2266.
