Steinbach RCMP are warning local shoppers to beware of a charity scam which was recently perpetrated in the City of Steinbach.
On the afternoon of Saturday August 8, 2015, Steinbach RCMP were notified about two young women and one young man soliciting donations outside local businesses. The suspects were described as Filipino and they were asking for donations for the Children’s Joy Foundation in the Philippines. This is in fact a legitimate charity, but these scam artists are not affiliated with it.
The suspects were observed in Steinbach outside Superstore, Walmart and Clearspring Centre. It is unknown how many people may have donated money before suspicions were raised and the RCMP were called. One local resident became suspicious when the suspects declined to provide an official receipt for the requested donation. She did not donate any money and quickly warned other passers-by that this was probably a scam. When she said she was calling the police, the suspects immediately departed the scene and subsequently they could not be located.
This particular scam has been perpetrated several times before in the city of Winnipeg as well as in towns and cities in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Typically the group collecting money operates outside Walmarts, Safeways, Costcos or in shopping mall parking lots.
Steinbach RCMP are urging the general public to be cautious if approached for donations for this particular charity. Do not hesitate to ask several questions about the charity and for an official receipt. If there is any doubt as to the legitimacy of the request, do not give any money. The best course of action is to ignore the scammers and to call the RCMP right away. A legitimate representative for a charity will not run away or be reluctant to speak to the police.
