Police warn businesses of regional manager impersonation scam

The Calgary Police Service is warning businesses about a potential scam following reports of individuals impersonating regional managers and instructing employees to deposit money into a bitcoin ATM.

Several downtown businesses have reported losses ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Between February and March 2023, it is believed scammers posing as regional managers have targeted businesses such a liquor stores and coffee shops. They claim there is an urgent issue with their parcel delivery and pressure employees, threatening termination if they do not comply. The employees are then directed to withdraw cash from the business’s safe and deposit it into a bitcoin ATM.

In one incident, it is believed an individual posing as a district manager contacted a business employee, claiming the store was receiving a new Point of Sale (POS) system and there was an issue with the shipment. Shortly after, the employee received a call from someone impersonating the delivery driver. The employee then received a text message from an individual impersonating the store manager, instructing them to withdraw cash from the business safe. The employee subsequently sent a bitcoin payment to the wallet address for the delivery of the new POS system.

“These fraudsters often pose as legitimate figures, using urgency and threats to manipulate victims into compliance. Always verify the identity of the caller and consult a trusted source before taking any action,” says Sgt. Nick Wilsher of the Calgary Police Service Crime Prevention Team. “Businesses who encounter such a scam are encouraged to report it to the police.”

To protect yourself and businesses from imposter scams:

If the caller stresses urgency, makes threats or insists you keep the conversation secret, it’s likely a scam.
Consider whether the request aligns with regular business practices. If it doesn’t, it’s probably a scam.
Contact the person requesting funds using numbers from your own business directory.
Enhance security by requiring supervisor approval or a two-signature system for payouts.
Maintain a paper trail through internal emails that can help track and verify transactions.
For more prevention tips, visit calgarypolice.ca.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises the public to:

Stay calm: If you receive an imposter call, resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic or threatening the caller sounds.
Don’t reply directly: Avoid responding to the call, text or email. Instead, contact the company or person directly to verify the message or call.
Verify contact information: Visit the business’s website to find contact details and ensure you are dealing with the actual company.
Seek help: When in doubt, consult a friend, a loved one or your local BBB for a second opinion. Always inform someone about the conversation.

Businesses that have suffered a financial loss due to this or similar scams can report it to the Calgary Police Service by contacting the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips

Case # CA25109401/CA25109280/CA25066722/6063

If you have received a fraudulent text message, email or phone call but did not incur a financial loss, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. By reporting your experiences, you are helping law enforcement pursue investigations and warning others. For crimes in progress or if you are in immediate danger, call 911.