(HAWKESBURY, ON) – The Hawkesbury Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating fraud incidents that occurred on Thursday July 07th at two local stores on in Hawkesbury.
In both incidents, the fraudsters attended the cash and made a small purchase using a large bill. One suspect then asked for change and in the process confused the cashier into giving more money than he was owed while the second suspect distracted the clients around.
The suspects were described as:
White male,
Approx. mid-20’s or early 30’s,
Ball cap (black in colour with a white logo),
White t-shirt,
Black pants,
Black shoes,
English speaking
Black male,
Approx. mid-20’s or early 30’s,
Ball cap, (black in colour with possible “Monster drink” logo)
Blue t-shirt,
Dark grey or black pants,
Black shoes,
English speaking
Quick change scam is when an individual target inexperienced cashiers by paying for small priced items with a large bill ($50 or $100). Before the cashier could give back the change the suspect would engage the cashier in a speedy series of money exchanges thereby confusing the cashier. In the confusion suspect would tell the cashier how much money to give back thus short changing the cashier. In some instances suspect(s) work in teams of two where one suspect would handle the money exchange while the second suspect act as a distraction to confuse the cashier even more. Police suggest to avoid being a victim to the scam, only complete the transaction for the purchase then close the cash register. If the customer is asking to exchange bills be weary of the scam and contact your manager before engaging in further interactions.
The matter is still under investigation. If you have any information about this incident please call Constable Jean-Francois Gagnon at the Hawkesbury O.P.P. at 613-632-2729 or 1-888-310-1122.
