EDMONTON- The Edmonton Police Service is warning the public of a series of frauds that have recently been reported in the Beverly area.
Officers say the suspect has been targeting senior citizens in particular.
Over the past month, police say a suspect has been approaching victims at their homes and telling them a “hard-luck story” in attempt to get money from them.
“The typical story is that the female (suspect) will tell the senior citizen that she needs money for a tow truck or she’s locked out of her vehicle, something along those lines. She approaches them in their own home, they let her inside and she manages to get money from them,” explained Patrycia Thenu, EPS spokesperson.
“She then attempts to befriend them and also comes back and uses fraudulent cheques to further get money from them again,” Thenu added.
“This is an unfortunate situation in which a person is taking advantage of the generosity and trust of elderly citizens,” said Constable Steve Elbreidi with EPS. “Often those who have been victimized are embarrassed and don’t report what has happened to police immediately. We want to stress that this isn’t something to be embarrassed about, this is a crime and we encourage anyone who may have been affected to report it to us.”
On August 3, Melissa Weatherbee was charged with 12 charges including fraud and forged documents. Police believe Weatherbee is responsible for several more frauds, similar in nature.
Thenu says there are currently about 10 other files open on this individual that police are investigating.
Police want to make sure people are aware this is going on and “make sure that they take care of themselves and that they’re not believing this story and just being more cautious,” Thenu said.
“Officers are definitely aware of Ms. Weatherbee’s whereabouts,” she added.
Weatherbee is 30-years-old, has brown hair, light coloured skin and has a thin build.
Police are asking anyone who may have been in contact with Weatherbee to call police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.