Skip to content

Saanich man sniffs out scam targeted at elderly father

Saanich police are warning that scam artists continue to prey on senior citizens, this time by offering bogus home "security assessments"

Saanich police are warning that scam artists continue to prey on senior citizens, this time by offering bogus "security assessments" of homes.

Yesterday (Oct. 31) police say a Saanich man intercepted a phone call targeted at his 90-year-old father. The caller claimed the man's neighbourhood had experienced a rash of break-ins and home invasions, and he offered a "security assessment" of the property, which would have allowed the caller inside the home.

When Saanich resident challenged the caller to provide company details, he quickly figured out it was a scam, hung up and called police.

Police say the call was likely an attempt to enter a home under false pretences to rob it, or to provide a fake service and charge an outrageous fee.

No firm in the Capital Region is known to offer the type of service offered by the caller. The Saanich police Block Watch program can provide advice regarding securing homes against crime.

For more information on Block Watch call 250-475-4365 or email, blockwatch@saanichpolice.ca. An information session is scheduled for Nov. 19, 7 p.m. in the Saanich police station, in the Kirby Room.

editor@saanichnews.com



About the Author: Staff Writer

Read more