My name is Cst. Darren Wasmuth. I recently took over the Community Liaison Constable position for the Boyle Street and McCauley neighbourhoods. I look forward to getting to know the stakeholders and the people of the community. Previously, I worked in Patrol for the last four years in the downtown area. I was sad to leave, but am looking forward to this new position.

Today I would like to make the community aware of a growing concern: door-to-door fraud scams. We all have heard of people being scammed one way or another. I would like to give you some pointers to aid you in spotting a fraudster.

Probably the most important thing is that when an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is. I am sure all of you have experienced a time when you found what you thought was a really good bargain at a store and have taken the product to the till and was told, “Sorry that’s not the price. It was in the wrong bin or wrong spot. The price is much more.” This is similar when it comes to door-to-door frauds. It may seem like a really good deal; however, you may be over paying for a product or you may end up paying for a product you never receive.

One way a salesman will try to scam you is to use high pressure tactics. Do not agree to any offer immediately. Have them produce identification and a business card. Ask them to explain the purpose of the visit and leave you with materials or the details of their product. Don’t be afraid to ask them to leave at any time you wish. If you are interested in what the door-to-door salesman has to offer, take time to find out about their business and their offer. Ask them to come back another day. Conduct some searches on the internet and make some phone calls to determine if their business is legitimate. The search should show reviews for the business from other customers. It may also show if the business is a scam. Do a search with the Better Business Bureau.

If you are satisfied with your search and are interested in the salesperson’s product, make a scheduled appointment for him or her to come over. It is best to have someone you know with you during this appointment or at least let a friend know you are having a salesperson over for a short visit. After the appointment is concluded, call your friend back and let them know you are done. If the salesperson does not want to come back with a prearranged appointment, don’t let him or her in. You are never obligated to allow a salesperson into your home.

When asked to pay for a product, never give your social insurance number, driver’s license number, or any other personal information. If you are offered a prize and told you first have to pay a fee or taxes in advance, it is probably a scam! You should not have to pay for anything to win a prize. Lastly, if you think you’ve spotted a scam, report it to the police at (780) 423-4567.

I look forward to meeting you and working in the community. I will be available at darren.wasmuth@edmontonpolice.ca.