Area OPP is investigating a fraud scheme aimed at automotive service businesses. At least three businesses were contacted by a woman, identifying herself as Helene, requesting large orders of tires or rims. She claims her husband will pick them up and pay upon arrival.
Two men, one bald and the other with dreadlocks, speaking only French, then arrive to collect the tires, paying with a credit card. Later, the businesses learn the card was stolen, freezing the payment and leaving them without the tires or money. The losses are valued at thousands of dollars.
Similar scams have also been reported in the Pembroke area.
The OPP urges businesses to verify credit card information before releasing products.
Anyone with information should contact Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
(Written by: Kyle Robinson)