Sounds like the old cash and change trick.
The Hawkesbury Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a fraud incident that occurred on November 4, 2018, at approximately 1 p.m. at a local store in Hawkesbury.
The fraudsters attended the customer service cash and made a small purchase using a large bill. The suspect then asked for change and in the process confused the cashier into giving more money than he was owed.
Police are asking for your help. If you can identify the individuals on the photos, please contact Constable Mailhot at the Hawkesbury OPP Detachment at 613-632-2729 or 1-888-310-1122.
Photo of suspects is above.
A 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 Hawkesbury 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.
