Lanark OPP investigating fraud targeting local automotive businesses

The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a fraud which targets automotive service businesses.

Police say that at least three business have been contacted over the phone by a woman who indicates wants to buy a large quantity of tires and/or rims.

“The woman says her husband will pick-up the tires and that he will pay at that time,” OPP explain. “Two men then go to the business, pick up the tires and pay with a credit card.”

However, the businesses are then contacted by the credit card company, saying that the card that was used had been reported stolen and that the payment is frozen.

“This leaves the business operators with no tires AND no money,” police say.

The purchases have been valued at thousands of dollars.

The caller has identified herself as Helene. The men picking up the tires are described as being black. One is bald, the other has dreadlocks. Both men speak only in French.

Police say similar incidents have been reported in the Pembroke area.

“Lanark OPP wants to warn other business in the region to be alert to this operation,” a media release reads. “The best practice is to verify the credit card before the customer leaves with your product.”

If you have any information, contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report online at Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers.