The New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) is warning the public to be on the lookout after a senior citizen was targeted by fraudsters in a “chimney scam.”

Police were called to the home of the 90-year-old woman on the evening of March 25.

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“The resident shared that two men were soliciting in the neighbourhood with an unmarked vehicle, and approached her about chimney cleaning and sealing services,” the NWPD said.

“The resident shared she was asked to pay a significant deposit upfront.”

Officers discouraged the resident from paying the $12,000 the men had asked her for.

As strange as the scam may seem, it is by no means unique.

“There are several different kinds of scams surrounding chimney inspection and repair, ranging from high-pressure sales and fraudulent companies to fake claims of major structural damage discovered that requires thousands of dollars in immediate repairs,” police said.

“In many instances, scammers will ask for payment in cash.”

The police department advises the public to do research before hiring anyone to do home repairs.

“If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited repairs, do not feel pressured to make a decision,” it said.

“Take time to verify the business and speak with someone you trust.”

Police say they were told about the elderly woman being targeted after a concerned neighbour reached out to them.

“This neighbour is exactly the kind of person I would want living next to my grandparents,” said NWPD Const. Peter Jon.

“This is the kind of community New Westminster is, where people look out for and help one another.”

Police say the file is still under investigation.