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Picton, Ont. business defrauded $15K in fire inspector scam: OPP

OPP say someone claiming to be a fire inspector told a Picton, Ont., business they were in violation of several fire codes, and order them to pay thousands in cryptocurrency. Global News file

OPP say people in Prince Edward County should be wary of a new scam involving people alleging to be fire officials.

According to police, on Sept. 2, a Picton business was called by someone impersonating a fire inspector.

The alleged scammer asked for information from the business owner and told them they would be attending their location for an inspection.

Police say the scammer then told the employees working at the establishment that they were in violation of fire codes and that they needed to pay a significant fine.

This person then asked for a partial payment of $15,000 via cryptocurrency, which police say was transferred.

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OPP have yet to release any information on the identity of the suspect and say the investigation is continuing.

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Police advise all business owners who are contacted by anyone claiming to be an inspector to ask for credentials. They also say that payment through cryptocurrency is always a red flag.

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