Port Alberni RCMP are on the lookout for a woman who is attempting to con residents out of money using a bogus cancer story.
Police received several calls this week from residents about a woman in her 40's who went door-to-door on Ian Avenue on Jan. 10 soliciting donations for a sick child in a neighbouring community, Cpl Jen Allan said.
The woman didn't produce any identification, documents or any details about her campaign prompting residents to call police, Allan said.
On Jan. 15, the same woman canvassed 14th Avenue residents for cancer donations but this time accompanied by a male. The woman said her campaign was being supported by local media, and produced a newspaper photo of the alleged sick child saying it was her brother or nephew. She asked residents for cash or bottle donations.
Police patrols after both incidents failed to locate the woman.
Canadian Cancer Society officials confirmed to police that no door to door fundraising campaigns for cancer victims are currently being operated in Port Alberni, Allan said.
Volunteers undergo a rigorous screening process, carry identification when canvassing, and carry out campaigns that are highly publicized before hand, said Kathryn Ilott, Regional Director, Vancouver Island Canadian Cancer Society
Anyone with any information about the incidents in Port Alberni are asked to call RCMP at 250-723-2424, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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