Cashiers beware – Quick-change scammers hit local businesses

Watch out for the quick change scammers.

Cpl. Jodi Shelkie said today Kamloops RCMP have received two reports in the last two weeks from businesses who were victims of scammers. The quick change scam is when someone targets inexperienced cashiers by paying for small priced items with a large bill, $50 or $100. Before the cashier can give back the change for the large bill, the suspect will engage the cashier in a series of speedy money exchanges thereby confusing the cashier.

The suspects in both cases were described as: a female with dyed red hair, about 5 ft. tall; and a male, stocky, about 6 ft. tall wearing baggy sweat pants and a black jacket. The suspects made away with about $100 at each business.

“Cashiers should place large bills on top of the cash register or on the counter in full view,” said Cpl.Shelkie.

“Cashiers shouldn’t put a large bill in the cash register until they’ve completed one transaction. Also, the cashier should count aloud the change that has been made. If the customer starts to barrage them with requests for multiple transactions, they should purposefully slow the transaction process down and manage each transaction separately.

“If the customer begins to bully or intimidate the cashier and the confusion escalates, the cashier should stop the transaction completely, close the register and call for the manager.”

If anyone can identify either of the suspects in these scams, they are asked to call the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.