WINNIPEG – A man disguised as a Bell/MTS employee tried to gain entrance into the home of a 46-year-old Winnipeg woman on December 13th at 7:45 pm.
The incident occurred in the area of Plessis Road and Pandora Avenue in Transcona. The man knocked on her door, stated that he was from MTS and requested to be let in to her home. The homeowner refused to let him in however, and the man left.
The man is described as Black, approximately 35-years of age, approximately 5’4″ in height. He was wearing a jacket with MTS embroidered on it.
Bell MTS advised they are not involved in any door-to-door canvassing in the area.
The Winnipeg Police Service reminds citizens that employees of legitimate businesses should be in possession of identification indicating the business or organization they represent. We offer the following crime prevention tips:
Only allow pre-scheduled service providers into your home.
Always ask to see identification before answering any questions. All legitimate salespersons/repair persons will have clearly visible identification and will produce it when asked.
If a person requests to enter your residence and is unable to provide proper identification, or makes you feel uncomfortable or uncertain, do not allow that person to enter your residence.
Don’t feel obligated to invite people you don’t know into your home even if they provide a form of identification, speak to them through your front door.
Never give personal information to anyone not invited to your home or show them any documents with information about you or your accounts. If there are forms to be filled out, take them to be read at your own leisure. You can return them at a later date.
If they’re trying to sell you something new, and you are unsure or comfortable, just tell them “no” at your doorstep. If a person continues to pressure you after you’ve asked them to leave (whether they’re inside or outside your home), call the police.
If they claim to be sent by an existing utility company, leave the person outside and call that company to confirm they have employees in the area. If you are unsure about the company, search them on the internet.
Always take time to consider what is being offered and advise you will be in contact after considering it. Reputable businesses will avoid high-pressure sales tactics. You don’t have to decide right on the spot. Reputable canvassers will provide contact information for you to follow up and make appointments at a future date.
If you’re just not sure — say no thanks and close the door.
Report all suspicious activity to police.
More tips and information can be found on the Competition Bureau and Government of Manitoba websites.
http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/homehttps://www.gov.mb.ca/finance/literacy/fraud.html
This investigation is continuing by members of the Major Crimes Unit. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to call 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).