Lethbridge police are warning local businesses to be vigilant after nearly $20,000 was lost recently in a fraud scheme.
Lethbridge Police Service officials said on Jan. 15 a local business received three large orders for parts over the phone. Payment for each transaction was made using multiple credit cards. A third-party courier was arranged to pick up the merchandise, officials said. After the items were released, the business was contacted by an individual who reported their credit card information had been compromised and the charges were not authorised. It was later determined the other credit cards used in the transactions were stolen.
Police intercepted the third-party courier, who told officers he had been hired through an online advertisement to provide delivery services. Police are urging caution among job seekers about online listings for courier work, noting some may be linked to criminal schemes.
Police are also advising businesses to watch for red flags when processing orders over the phone and to take extra precautions. Recommended steps include verifying new customers beyond a basic online search and independently confirming phone numbers through trusted sources rather than relying on call display or information provided by the customer.
Officials said multiple credit cards used in one order, especially for high-value items, can signal potential fraud.
Officials noted that immediate credit card approval does not guarantee a transaction is legitimate. They are encouraging businesses to consider delays between receiving payment and releasing merchandise.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a similar scam is asked to contact the Lethbridge Police Service at 403-328-4444 to file a report.
