The Hawkesbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating fraud incidents known as; Quick Change Scam, occurring at local stores in Hawkesbury.
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, the 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 acted 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 OPP reminds store owners and employees to be aware of the many types of fraud that target businesses and to take some easy steps to protect themselves and avoid becoming a victim of fraud.