Barrie Police Service would like to make small business owners aware of an on-going advertising fraud.
On July 8th 2013, a business on Bryne Drive in the City of Barrie was approached by a suspect who identified himself as Jerry King, a sales representative allegedly working on behalf of The Perkolator. The Perkolator is a legitimate publication that solicits advertising; however it has been determined that the man identifying himself as Jerry King had not been employed by the publication.
The suspect presented the victim with advertising opportunities in the publication. He then requested partial payment in exchange for advertising and required the full payment be made prior to the advertisement being produced. The victim’s cheques were cashed and the advertisement was never produced. The suspect was then unable to be contacted.
Similar incidents have been reported in Aurora and Newmarket.
Barrie Police Service would like to be contacted by business owners if they have been approached by a sales representative claiming to be Jerry King from The Perkolator. Barrie Police Service would also like to remind business owners to be cautious.
Anyone with information is asked to call Barrie Police Service tip line at 705-725-7025 extension 2160 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.