Coquitlam: Two similar incidents of a Cheque scam happened in Coquitlam on July 8. The Coquitlam Mounties responded to the reports. One incident occurred near North Road in Coquitlam and the other near Shaughnessy Street in Port Coquitlam.

In both incidents, the male suspect approached a stranger on the street and asked them to cash a cheque for him. The suspect went to a nearby bank with the potential victim, the victim deposited the cheque into their own accounts and then withdrew cash. The scheme was accompanied by a long, emotional and convoluted story about the suspect desperately needing money to buy food for his daughter.

Corporal Jamie Chung cautious public that if a stranger asks you to cash a cheque for them, a red flag should go up. Officer added many of us have a good heart and want to help a fellow citizen during times of need. However, there are also those few who prey on and take advantage of our kindness. Police asked public to keep in mind that there are a number of cheque cashing businesses, including banks, who cash cheques for only a small fee. If someone you don’t know asks you to cash a cheque, you should refer that person to a bank.

The suspect is described by police as a Caucasian male in his late 20’s to early 30’s and he is 6′ tall and about 250 lb in weight, Heavy set, and with short brown hair and clean shaven.

RCMP believe the suspect has tried this trick on many other people. If you recently encountered a similar incident, we would like you to give us a call, added Chung.

Anyone who may have experienced a similar incident, whether you were defrauded or not, is urged to call Cst. Krista Hovde of Coquitlam RCMP Economic Crime Section at 604-552-7364. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at www.solvecrime.ca or by phone: 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).