OPP is warning businesses across southwestern Ontario after a company in Ingersoll lost nearly $2,000 in a fraud case.
Police say the incident was reported on February 20th. An Ingersoll business told officers it had been tricked by someone pretending to be a safety and fire inspector.
According to police, the suspect contacted an employee directly and said urgent payment was needed for inspection-related supplies. The caller told the employee not to inform their manager. The suspect then sent QR codes linked to cryptocurrency accounts and directed the employee to a local business with a cryptocurrency ATM. Believing the request was real, the employee deposited the money.
Police say this type of scam is known as “inspection fraud” and often targets businesses by creating a sense of fear and urgency.
The OPP reminds businesses that while some inspections can happen without notice, real inspectors carry proper photo identification and can clearly explain the law under which they are working. Legitimate health and safety inspectors do not ask for cash, credit card payments, or cryptocurrency on the spot. They also do not threaten to immediately shut down a business if payment is not made.
Officers say businesses should always ask to see identification and confirm the inspector’s credentials with the appropriate local agency, such as the public health unit or fire department. Employees should be trained to direct any inspectors to a manager and should never provide payment or sensitive financial information.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud is asked to contact their local police service and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
