The RCMP in the South Okanagan are investigating after a possible scam was reported in Princeton involving an individual who may have been posing as an Interior Health official.
 
The daughter of an elderly woman living in Princeton called the police to notify them of a bizarre occurrence.

Photo credit: NowMedia file
 
The woman said her 82-year-old mother had recently suffered an injury and was awaiting a referral to a local home care service.
 
On March 27, 2020, her mother was contacted by telephone from an unknown number. 
 
A man on the other line claimed to be with the Interior Health Authority. 
 
The man asked her if she would mind going on a drive with him so he could evaluate her memory ability to return home after an appointment. 
 
Later that day, the man attended her home, wearing a grey suit, surgical mask and gloves. The man also had an identification card which read “Interior Health.”
 
The woman’s mother drove the man to one part of Princeton in her own vehicle, and then shortly after, drove the man back to her residence. The man then said he would walk to his own car, which he parked down the road.
 
Her mother did not notice anything missing from her residence, or her vehicle, and no other known crime had taken place.
 
RCMP in Princeton say they are actively investigating to confirm whether this was an actual Interior Health representative, or if this was a possible scam. RCMP has not yet received any similar reports, and believe the incident to be isolated.
 
The man was described as: Caucasian, approximately 6 feet tall, between 30-40 years of age, average build, brown hair.
 
Interior Health Authority provided the following guidelines for the public:
 

• Interior Health’s Home Health services are based on referrals that are initiated by individuals or family contacting IH with a request.  As such, individuals should already be aware that we will be reaching out for initial assessment and identification of services. There would be no “cold calls” originating from any of our services.
• Interior Health identification cards are issued to staff so that the public can see that the person they are interacting with is indeed the person they claim to be. Identification includes a photo. It would be important for the public to know that it is within their right to ask to see the ID/credentials of any “person in authority” such as law enforcement, security, etc. Our policy states that all staff must wear their ID in a visible location anytime that they are on site or doing business for Interior Health.

 
If anyone has information on this occurrence, or experiences a similar suspicious circumstance, they are encouraged to call the Princeton RCMP, 250-295-6911, or their local police.