Cheticamp RCMP is warning of a new scam that is targeting tire businesses, and that has been observed to be occurring in other jurisdictions as well.
On November 10, 2022, Cheticamp RCMP received a report of a local tire shop being scammed in relation to a $5,500 sale of tires. RCMP officers learned that the business had received a purchase order from someone in Montreal for $5,500 worth of tires. The business had received many out of province requests since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and filled the order. Once the tires were shipped and confirmed received, they were notified that the payment had been cancelled, and they were unable to get in touch with the purchaser.
RCMP officers learned that the same purchaser had done the same thing to other tire shops in Prince Edward Island, Manitoba and Alberta, thus far resulting in losses in over $20,000 combined.
The investigation is ongoing at this time, however the Cheticamp RCMP would like to warn business owners of this scam, in an effort to prevent anyone else from falling for it.
Should you be a victim of a scam, please contact your local police or RCMP Detachment.
File #: 2022-1632313