Web posted on July 20, 2010
(Mount Forest, ON.) -The definition of a scammer is a person who
swindles you by means of deception or fraud.
On Sunday July 18th, 2010 at about 4:50pm County of Wellington OPP
officers responded to a business in Mount Forest for a reported theft.
The victim reported at about 4:25pm two ladies attended to the business
and made a small purchase. The ladies then wanted to exchange some
larger $50.00 bills to smaller $5.00 ones, then they changed their mind
etc. After all was done, the suspects left and the clerk was short about
$100.00. The suspects are described as looking Middle Eastern, wearing
skirts with light tops. Both are described as having some gold teeth.
How to Spot Quick Change Scams
Typically, two people will work this scam together, and they may
have help. Be wary of people distracting the worker and customers near
the cash register by asking questions while the main con artist pulls
the scam.
Be cautious about customers who pay for small items with large
denominations. The typical quick change con artist pays for a low-cost
item with a $50.00 or $100 bill and asks for change. Many businesses
avoid this scam by only accepting denominations of $20 or lower.
Try to stay focused when giving change to customers. The con
artist will try to confuse you by telling you that they want the change
in a different way or that they changed their mind and want to pay with
a smaller bill instead. This usually comes after you have handed them
the change for the initial payment. They will try to confuse the cashier
by keeping more money than was paid and then walking out with it. Don't
give back the money, until they hand over the change you gave. Count it
all before returning their bills.
No matter how many times the con artist changes their mind,
focus on collecting the customer's money and making correct change. Keep
the bill he gives you on the register in front of you. If a co-worker
isn't busy, signal them to stand near the register while you deal with
the customer.
These types of scams increase over the summer months when businesses
have more senior staff on vacation. If you feel you have become a victim
of this type of scam, contact your local police.