Alleged locksmith scammer charged after Lynnwood resident robbed

A 30-year-old Calgary man has been arrested and charged after allegedly taking advantage of the kindness of a stranger.

On Saturday afternoon, a suspect approached a home in the 100 block of Lynndale Road Southeast and asked to use the homeowner’s phone as he had been locked out of his residence down the street.

The suspect stayed inside the home for approximately 30 minutes while waiting for a locksmith to arrive. The homeowner lent the man a small amount of money to fuel his vehicle, funds which were to be repaid.

On Sunday, the homeowner visited the home the suspect had been ‘locked out of’ to retrieve his money only to discover the man he had given cash to did not live there.

The homeowner returned home to discover his wallet was also missing and he notified police.

Officers arrested 30-year-old Jason Adam Foster in connection with the alleged scam.

Foster faces charges of break and enter and failing to comply with recognizance conditions. Additional charges are pending against Foster.

Police believe Foster may have attempted to dupe other residents out of cash and are encouraging any victim of fraud to contact the Calgary Police Service, 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers.

Foster is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.