Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public’s help as they investigate two similar fraud cases involving stolen skid steer loaders, while reminding residents in Northumberland and surrounding areas to stay vigilant during Fraud Prevention Month.
According to Peterborough County OPP, both incidents involved sellers being paid with fraudulent cheques before their equipment was picked up.
In the first case, police say a Selwyn Township resident listed a skid steer loader for sale online and was contacted by someone claiming to represent a business. After arrangements were made, a pickup truck arrived and provided a cheque for the agreed price. The cheque was later found to be fraudulent, and the buyer could not be reached. The equipment was valued at more than $14,000.
In a second incident, a business in Otonabee South Monaghan Township released a skid steer loader to a tow truck after receiving a cheque. Police say the cheque later bounced due to insufficient funds. That machine was valued at approximately $45,000.
Police say these types of scams are not limited to one area and could impact sellers across Northumberland County.
As part of Fraud Prevention Month, OPP are reminding residents to verify payments before releasing goods, avoid accepting cheques from unknown buyers and be cautious of buyers who rush transactions or provide limited contact information.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about these incidents to contact OPP or Crime Stoppers.
Police also encourage residents who believe they have been targeted by fraud to report it to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)