Lethbridge Police warn about scam targeting seniors

LETHBRIDGE – The public is being warned about a scam targeting female seniors.

Lethbridge Police said they have received reports over the last few weeks about an unknown male subject(s) approaching older women and attempting to defraud them.

Several calls have come into police about a darker-skinned male going up to females in city parking lots, or following them inside stores, confronting them about damaging his vehicle while parking. He then demands several hundred dollars in order to avoid making an insurance claim.

One report said a note was left on an elderly woman’s vehicle which advised her to call. Upon calling, the man who answered demanded insurance information and payment.

Police believe the subject is watching drivers as they enter parking lots and then targeting them accordingly.

If no collision or damage has occurred, anyone who is approached in this manner should not give any information or money to the subject and contact police immediately.

Investigation in the matter is ongoing and at this time the only description of the subject is a darker-skinned male. Anyone with information about the subject is asked to contact police at 403-328-4444, or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at Tip Submit.