Laval police are warning Quebecers to be aware of scammers and fraudsters looking to take advantage of people in the wake of the province’s recent flooding.
The police force says it has been contacted by residents warning of suspicious attempts by alleged scammers trying to collect cash donations by pretending to be flood victims.
See also
- Quebec woman shares devastating moments kayaking through her flooded home (VIDEO)
- Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac residents allowed to return home as flood waters stabilize
- 21 shots of the devastating flooding across Quebec (PHOTOS)
- Floods have forced more than 9,500 evacuations across Quebec
Laval police say they aren’t aware of any successful fraud attempts that have occurred in connection with Quebec’s floods, but the force claims reported attempts are significant enough to warn the public.
“People will try to take advantage of this unfortunate situation,” an officer from the Service de police de Laval told Daily Hive, over the phone. “Tactics could include calling, emailing, or showing up in person to ask for donations.”
[❗️Appels frauduleux❗️] Des individus tentent de faussement récolter de l’argent pour venir en aide aux sinistrés des inondations. Seule la @CroixRouge_Qc est autorisée à recueillir des dons. Si vous recevez un appel de ce type, soyez vigilants et communiquez avec le 911. 📞 pic.twitter.com/F1pn6N2DNT
— Police Laval (@policelaval) May 1, 2019
The police want to remind citizens that the safest way to donate to any flood-related causes is through the Canadian Red Cross website.
Throughout the week, the floods have forced more than 9,000 Quebecers to evacuate their homes.