Warning to petrol stations following distraction scam
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We are urging petrol station workers to be vigilant for suspicious activity following a targeted scam that happened on Tuesday July 18th.
It has been reported that unknown criminals contacted a petrol station in Deiniolen, Gwynedd, last week and impersonated head office representatives. They explained that stock was being moved to another location and that a courier service had been arranged to collect it.
A considerable amount of stock, estimated to be around £10,000, was transported from the location before it was recognised as a scam.
District Inspector Ian Roberts said: “This is clearly a well organised scam that targeted a local business.
“Financially, the loss is considerable to the victims, and we are urging other retailers to be aware of any suspicious calls.
“I would encourage forecourt staff to challenge any suspicious calls, and if needed to call representatives back on authorised telephone numbers.
“If unknown people attend forecourts and assert they are management, suitable identification checks should be carried out.
“Additionally, taxi and courier companies should be aware if a request to transport goods from petrol stations is received as this may not be a legitimate request.”
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact police via our website or by calling 101, or alternatively by contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.