UPDATE: Canadian Red Cross, UNICEF investigate alleged scam in Fort St. John

UPDATE: Information was added from the Canadian Red Cross.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Canadian Red Cross and UNICEF are conducting an internal investigation after receiving several reports of residents being allegedly scammed in Fort St. John.

Both agencies told the Fort St. John RCMP that there were canvassers in the city this week, providing information on the organizations and how to donate. However, they aren’t supposed to be requesting cash, which has been alleged in local social media groups.

In the groups, residents posed questions to figure out if it was a scam, while others instantly jumped to the conclusion that it was.

“Beware of people going house to house asking for donations for Red Cross. They are not from Red Cross, they are theives going into peoples driveways and checking vehicles. They have been reported to the police. Be vigilant,” read a comment from a Facebook user. 

Some residents have allegedly started yelling at the volunteers.

Local police were asked to investigate the potential scam by residents and say the Red Cross, UNICEF and the World Wildlife Fund-Canada informed the detachment early in November that they would be canvassing from November 13th to 19th.

The agencies said they are conducting internal investigations into potential scam allegations where individuals had requested cash. 

As of November 17th, both agencies have completed their community canvassing and are no longer in Fort St. John.

According to Leianne Musselman with the Canadian Red Cross, canvassers will go door to door to fundraise for a variety of programs and services.

“Fundraisers often wear a vest and carry identification with the Red Cross logo and will carry material about programs,” Musselman said.

Some canvassers may carry a tablet to collect information electronically, and often visit at times when it is common for people to be at home, such as in the late afternoons or evening.

The Red Cross will also sometimes inform local authorities when they will be in the community.