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March 31, 2021 - 10:40 AM
With one quick sleight of the hand trick, several Vernon businesses have been conned out of cash.
The Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP say several businesses have reported con artists entering their stores and is warning others to be vigilant.
The con artists use "sleight of the hand" tactics to confuse cashiers and con them out of money, a Vernon RCMP media release says.
RCMP say the con-artist will hand a cashier a large-denomination bill, or bills, and request their change in smaller notes. Once the cashier hands over the small notes, the thief will use a quick and deceptive hand movement to pocket some of the money. The thief will then return the remainder of the small bills and request a different denomination or then change their mind about the exchange in order to confuse the cashier.
The cashier then returns the money and the thief then leaves with a greater amount of cash.
"These con-artists are taking advantage of the trusting nature of employees and are using speed and confusion to their advantage," Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski said in the release.
"Be cautious of any requests to exchange any type of large currency. If anything about any transaction seems suspicious, slow down and do not be afraid to recount or double-check an exchange before it happens."
RCMP also remind anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to please call police immediately.
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