UPDATE:
Kelowna RCMP has now confirmed that an individual collecting funds door-to-door for the B.C. Cancer Foundation was legitimate.
A media release was put out on April 20 regarding a suspicious person knocking on doors of the 600 block of Denali Drive asking for donations. The person has now been identified and has been confirmed to be linked to the organization.
“It is common for the BC Cancer Foundation to collect door-to-door donations and we apologize to our friends at the Foundation for any confusion this may have caused,” said Media Relations Officer Cpl. Tammy Lobb.
Kelowna RCMP, in partnership with the B.C. Cancer Foundation, are now letting the public know that the organization will be canvassing door-to-door over the next few months in Kelowna. All canvassers wear vests and identifying lanyards, and will never ask for cash donations.
ORIGINAL:
The Kelowna RCMP has issued a warning of fraudulent door-to-door solicitors.
On April 11 , the Kelowna RCMP responded to a report of a suspect knocking on doors in the 600-block area of Denali Drive, collecting money on behalf of an unnamed cancer foundation.
“The suspect was described as being pushy and was only accepting cash donations,” states Cpl. Tammy Lobb, Kelowna RCMP.
The RCMP states that the suspect identified himself as “Elia” and is described as being a 25-year-old man with an Eastern European accent, wearing a blue and yellow jacket and jeans.
“Before handing over your hard-earned cash, take the time to do your homework and look into whether or not the person and organization they claim to be representing is legitimate,” said Lobb.
A resident was suspicious of the alleged fraudulent charity worker and called a known cancer charity foundation to confirm they did not do any in-person fundraising.
To report suspicious activity to the Kelowna RCMP call 250-762-3300. If you would like to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net
For more information about various scams and how to protect yourself, visit rcmp-grc.gc.ca , antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca and gov.bc.ca