Central Okanagan

Salmon Arm RCMP are issuing a warning to the public regarding a fraudulent charity scam which has been making the rounds recently.

Senior Media Relations Officer, Cpl. Dan Moskaluk, says door to door solicitors are "skimming" debit and credit card info.

Photo: CTV

Scammers are using hand-held debit machines to steal money and banking information from their victims

There have been a number of complaints of fraudulent door to door canvassers in the Salmon Arm area.

The suspects are claiming to be raising funds and taking donations for the United Way. They are described as appearing well dressed and sincere, and offer to sell Tim Horton's or other gift cards as part of the fund raising.

"We understand that it's happened in Salmon Arm and Vernon," says Marla O'Brien, Executive Director of the Central and South Okanagan United Way.

"So there is a likelyhood that people in our area might also get these kind of solicitations at the door. They should be warned that it is not legitimate."

If the resident agrees to make a purchase, the scammer produces what looks like a hand held debit-credit card machine for payment.

The victims are even issued a receipt for the amount paid.

The trouble is, their bank account information is entered into the device, giving the suspect complete access to the victim's bank account and PIN number.

The RCMP says several thousand dollars have already been stolen from victims in the Salmon Arm area alone.

O'Brien says the United Way never uses this type of approach.

"We do not do that kind of a program and we do not have point of sale machines that we take to people's doors. Anyone who is solicited at their door should not do that and if they are, report it to the RCMP. If people want to donate they should contact our office."

If you have been approached by the suspects or have any information on them, contact the RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

You can contact the United Way on-line or by calling 250-860-2356.