Public Alert about Local Scam

On June 17, 2017 at approximately 8:00 p.m., an elderly woman, living on Grandin Road in St. Albert, reported that a man was going door to door asking for money for a sick wife. The 79 year old resident did give the man a small amount of money, but then became concerned that this man may return and continue to ask for more money, so she reported the incident to the police.

This incident is very similar to a report that RCMP received in June of 2016, where a man approached an 80 year old woman who also lives on Grandin Road in St. Albert. He asked her for money and this resident also gave him an undisclosed, small amount of money.

St. Albert RCMP believe that these incidents are both examples of “The Distress Scam Tale”. Scambusters.org states that “It may be pure fiction but a distress scam tale can still tug at your heartstrings — and your purse strings.

A distress scam occurs when a con artist spins a tall story in hopes of getting you to hand over some cash. Claims of ill health, family tragedies or legal problems, are sadly often just cunning ruses to play on your emotions.

When this happens it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction, but the best defence is to be sceptical of anyone who asks you for money. If your conscience is pricked, donate money to a relevant charity such as those for the homeless or cancer treatment and research. You may not be helping the individual who’s asking for the cash but you know that your donation will be put to good and genuine use.”