Hardware stores in the Capitale-Nationale, Chaudière-Appalaches, Saguenay, Bas-St-Laurent, Center-du-Québec, Estrie and Montérégie regions fell victim to a series of scams involving several suspects in 2020. Five of them were arrested. These past few days.
The fraudsters were accused of operating between Aug. 20 and Dec. 14, 2020. Over the phone, they claimed contractors were from outside the region of the target hardware store. In each case, thieves indicate their intention to purchase new tools for ongoing work in the hardware business.
The transaction is terminated by telephone at the merchant. A stolen or fraudulent credit card was used by the criminals. It was only after the fraudsters got their hands on their robbery that the theft was noticed.
Four of the suspects were released with promises to face, while a fifth appeared on April 14 via videoconference on cases of fraud, theft and trafficking in property seized by the crime. He was released with conditions.
The investigation was conducted by the Sûreté du Québec of Chaudière-Appalaches.
Source: Radio-Canada