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By Pete McIntyre

Several reports

‘Sleight of hand’ scam targets local stores

Mar 31, 2021 | 3:28 PM

The old saying ‘the hand is quicker than the eye’ applies to a scam that is making the rounds at some North Okanagan businesses.

RCMP have received several reports of con-artists targeting stores using sleight of hand tactics to confuse cashiers and make-off with cash.

RCMP Const. Chris Terleski explains how the scam works:

“The thief hands a cashier a large-denomination bill, or bills, and requests change in smaller bills. Once the cashier turns over the smaller bills, the thief uses a quick and deceptive hand movement to pocket a portion of the currency. The thief then returns what is left of the smaller bills to the cashier and requests a different denomination or will change their mind about the exchange in an effort to confuse the cashier. The merchant returns the money and the fraudster makes off with a greater amount of cash than they initially had, leaving the business short-changed,” Terleski said.

Terleski added the con artists are taking advantage of the trusting nature of employees and are using speed and confusion to their advantage.

“Be cautious of any requests to exchange any type of large currency. If anything about any transaction seems suspicious, slow down, do not be afraid to re-count or double check an exchange before it happens, and report any suspicious activity to police immediately,” the officer said.

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