A local community organization is urging residents in Greater Victoria to remain cautious after receiving multiple reports of door-to-door chocolate sales that raised safety and legitimacy concerns.
The Victoria Filipino Canadian Association shared a community safety alert this week following reports that mirror similar incidents previously reported in Langford and are now appearing in Victoria and Esquimalt.
According to the association, residents have described encounters with individuals going door to door selling chocolate, claiming the proceeds were intended to support people affected by hardship or disasters overseas.
In several cases, the sellers reportedly entered apartment and office buildings.
Community members said the situation became concerning when answers to basic questions about the cause or organization behind the sales were unclear or inconsistent.
Others noted the chocolates were sold in branded packaging, but the contents did not appear to match the brand displayed on the box.
While the association emphasized the generosity and strong charitable spirit of the local Filipino community, it said situations like these underscore the importance of staying alert and trusting one’s instincts.
“If something doesn’t feel right, give yourself time to pause, ask questions, or politely say no,” the organization advised, adding that donating through recognized charities, trusted organizations, or established community groups is a safer way to support causes.
Following the alert, several residents shared their own experiences in the comments of the original post.
One local resident wrote that a family member purchased an entire box of chocolates before becoming suspicious and questioning the seller.
“Once we asked a few follow-up questions, the answers didn’t add up,” they said.
Another commenter described a similar visit, saying the seller’s explanation changed when asked who the money was going to support.
Additional reports also surfaced from Sidney, where residents said the individuals came to their doors over the Christmas break. Some reported that after declining to purchase chocolates, they were directly asked for cash instead.
Leaders within the Filipino community in Victoria say they are actively working to report the incidents and hold those involved accountable. Some CCTV footage and screenshots related to the encounters have been shared confidentially with authorities.
The association said it shared the warning out of care for the wider community and encouraged residents to look out for one another and report suspicious activity when appropriate.
Anyone who experiences a similar situation is encouraged to remain cautious and consider contacting police if they believe the activity may be fraudulent.
