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At least a dozen Saskatchewan heavy-duty trucking and transport businesses have been affected by what the RCMP described as “large-scale fraud.”
According to police, officers begin an investigation in May after getting reports of fraud from automotive suppliers, tire shops, fuel distributors and other businesses. The RCMP said those businesses received calls from people trying to purchase tires, oil and/or parts.
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“The caller would provide credit card information over the phone, with the transaction showing to be approved and pending. Businesses would then ship the materials by a courier,” the RCMP explained in a statement.
“After the items were shipped, the credit card would be declined, and no payment would be received.”
Police said at least 12 businesses have been impacted by the fraud, with the affected business located in Assiniboia, Battleford, Biggar, Cudworth, Hudson Bay, Kindersley, Moosomin, Onion Lake, Weyburn and White Butte.
“No charges have been laid in connection with this investigation yet; however, we are sharing this information to help prevent further victimization,” the RCMP noted.
“Investigators believe additional businesses have been targeted and are encouraging those who’ve received an order under suspicious circumstances, regardless of whether it resulted in a financial or material loss, to report it to police.”
The Mounties noted that while the reports of fraud have been centred around the heavy trucking and transport sector, all businesses should familiarize themselves with the characteristics of this type of fraud in order to avoid being victimized.
The RCMP advised businesses to be cautious around orders when the first payment card is declined, as fraudsters often attempt to complete the purchase with multiple cards if the initial card is rejected.
Police also advised businesses to verify callers’ identities before processing any payment information, be alert when requests are unusual or rushed, to verify suspicious transactions before proceeding and to report any suspected fraud cases.
