When a man with a dubious offer comes knocking, don鈥檛 let him in.
That鈥檚 the message the Abbotsford Police Department has for the public after receiving numerous reports of a door-to-door scam artist trying to deceive residents.
Sgt. Judy Bird said a man has been knocking on doors and telling people he needs to inspect their furnaces. He has claimed to be from EnerGuide, BC Hydro and FortisBC but police have confirmed with all three companies that the man is not their employee.
Wearing a high-vis vest with an ID badge and holding a clipboard, the man has looked the part and managed to talk his way into a number of Abbotsford homes, Bird said. After 鈥渋nspecting鈥� home furnaces, he invariably informs homeowners they鈥檙e due for furnace maintenance or replacements and turns on the pressure for them to pay upfront.
Chilliwack RCMP of a similar scam last month and Facebook users in Mission have reported it being attempted there too.
Bird said no one has reported paying but victims of fraud are often too embarrassed to admit falling for the hoax.
Bird also said people are often reluctant to call police when someone suspicious has come to their door because they are worried about taxing their resources. She said they shouldn鈥檛 hesitate to call the non-emergency line and check, as legitimate companies and charities often inform police when and where they will be canvassing in advance.
Bird also said a continues to target Abbotsford residents 鈥� recently including an APD officer. The caller will claim to be from law enforcement or the Canada Revenue Agency and will threaten arrest if they do not pay. Bird said that such calls are fake and people should hang up.
kelvin.gawley@abbynews.com
Like us on and follow us on .
