The Sundre RCMP detachment urges the public to be vigilant with a new, growing scam.
There have been approximately 60 occurrences across the province, with several incidents reported in the Sundre detachment area where individuals, often described as “Gypsies” from Eastern Europe, approach members of the public requesting money, police said in a press release.
The scammers will use a story of hardship of varying degree such as a family emergency, being out of fuel or needing money for fuel and will go to extremes of begging, crying and pleading on their knees, police report.
In some instances, children have been used as props for the scam, which pulls on the heartstrings of victims. The scammers will offer to sell jewelry for a small amount of cash and act as if they are doing the victim a favour. But as with all scams, the gold is worthless, said police.
The Sundre RCMP is committed to protecting the public from these con artists and dealt with two of them on Monday, Sept. 3 when the detachment received a complaint about two men approaching people at a local gas station.
The men were located and denied any wrongdoing. Unfortunately for them, they could not provide proper documentation for their vehicle and it was seized with approximately $700 in fines issued, said police.
The men were provided a ride to a neighbouring town and sent on their way. Hopefully this serves as a deterrent for them and their cohorts to keep their scams out of Sundre, said police.
Anyone who is approached by these con artists is encouraged to be wary and to report the matter to police immediately. The local detachment can be reached at 403-638-3675
