Introduction
Fraud attempts are on the rise. Recently, a central Alberta business successfully thwarted an attempt to purchase a high-end snowmobile using forged identification.
Colten Kimmy, the general manager of Wetaskiwin Motorsports, witnessed a concerning trend in identity fraud. This incident occurred just days before Christmas, highlighting the urgency of vigilance in retail.
An Unusual Call
On December 19, a man called the store, claiming he wanted to buy a Ski-Doo snowmobile. He insisted that he couldn’t come in person, citing work obligations in Edmonton. The story? Convincing at first.
“He claimed to have lived in Alberta for five years,” Kimmy recounted. “But the situation quickly took a turn.”
Red Flags Raised
As part of the purchase process, the alleged buyer sent pictures of his identification and employment proof. However, upon inspection, the documents showed inconsistencies. Kimmy’s intuition kicked in.
At this point, something didn’t add up. A quick verification revealed that the identification did not match the information provided. The id in question was from Ontario, despite the individual claiming to be a long-term resident.
Alerting Authorities
Kimmy decided it was time to take action. After identifying the discrepancies, he contacted the local authorities. This proactive step would prove crucial.
A financing application was submitted to a lender, which further raised suspicions. They suspected that this could be a fraudulent attempt and alerted the police.
The Aftermath
Law enforcement arrived promptly. They apprehended the man, who was still waiting for a reaction from the business. It turned out that this was not his first attempt.
Kimmy’s actions not only protected his business but also helped bring a potential criminal to justice. “It’s about keeping our community safe,” he emphasized.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in retail. Fraudsters adapt, but so must businesses. The key takeaway? Awareness is crucial.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s vital for retailers to stay alert for suspicious activities. By sharing stories like Kimmy’s, we can empower others to take action against fraud. After all, the best defense is a good offense.
