Fort St John RCMP receive multiple reports of potential door-to-door canvasser scams

On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the Fort St John RCMP received a number of suspicious persons reports in regards to individuals that were door-to-door canvassing representing the Canadian Red Cross Society and UNICEF Canada. Community members were concerned the individuals involved were conducting a potential scam and requested police investigate.

The Fort St John RCMP were made aware by both agencies, as well as the World Wildlife Fund-Canada, earlier in November that door-to-door canvassing campaigns were planned for the week of November 13-19, 2023.

As a result of the reports received, the Fort St John RCMP reached out to representatives of both agencies to determine more fully what the preferred methods of donation were and both agencies relayed that they do not request cash but rather debit/credit or void cheque as the preferred method for donation.

Both agencies said they had received inquiries during the week into this matter and confirmed that they are conducting internal investigations into potential scam allegations where individuals were alleged to have requested cash.

Both agencies also confirm that canvassers have completed their canvass of the community and as of today, November 17 are no longer in Fort St John.