At least three businesses in Lanark County and some in Pembroke are out thousands of dollars after scammers used stolen credit cards to buy tires.
According to provincial police, the fraud targets automotive service businesses. The victims are contacted over the phone by a woman who says she wants to buy a large quantity of tires and/or rims. She tells the businesses her husband will pick them up and will pay at that time.
Two men then go to the business and pick up the merchandise paying with a credit card.
Officials say businesses are contacted later by the credit card company that say the card used by the men was reported stolen, therefore the payment is frozen.
“This leaves the business operators with no tires and no money, and the purchases have been valued at thousands of dollars,” police note.
The scammer on the phone identified herself as Helen, and police say the men picking up the tires are Black; one of them is bald and the other has dreadlocks. Both only speak French.
The best practice is to verify the credit card before the customer leaves with the product, officials said.
Call police at 1-888-310-1122 with any further information.