A scam artist is operating from grocery store and other area parking lots, according to a resident who was recently approached during the early evening hours as it was starting to get dark.
“A respectable-looking man, about 55-60 years old, taps on your window or otherwise approaches you to inform you that there is a problem with your back tire. He encourages you, in his very broken English, to get out of your car so he can show you a nail or tack in the tire. He wants to draw you farther toward the back of the car to show you more nails in your tire,” said the resident who did not want to be identified. “There is likely an accomplice waiting near the front of your car to grab your wallet, your purse, your keys, maybe even to take your car.”
The resident, who is not originally from the area, said she is cautious about opening her window to strangers in foreign countries but never dreamt that would be the case in Huntsville. She suspected something wasn’t right and quickly got into her vehicle and reported the incident.
She said police are aware of the scam. “It has been happening in areas south of Huntsville and now they are here. Do not engage with anyone you do not know in this type of situation and do not get out of your car if you are approached. You can drive to a safe place to check your tire,” she warned.
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Bea, that is a good reminder.
I do check the interior and when I remember, I check my tires. My dad taught me how to drive and insisted my sister, my mom and I do this. Also, always always, lock your car.
Its sad that we can’t trust anyone any more, so i say To prevent this from happening check you car before getting back in.
Sadly the freedom attitude and i dont care mentality has strongly taken over huntsville.house scams are just as big.my family found on kijiji facebook ect they always call from off numbers and offer 800 dollar units now we are at this? Lindsay was doing this to eldery right outside the banks so keep safe and report it.this town needs to go back to the good people 🤞
My friend was just scammed 7000 dollars (the puppy scam)..these people are only greedy.. and feel that they shouldn’t have to work and live honestly..this is too slow of a process..instant gratification is where it’s at and more money of course then working a job..but one day they will meet their maker..that is all I have to say about this..
If someone looks out of place in your home town, it’s not your problem,
There is a total waste of oxygen that begs outside dollarstore in Bracebridge, I see people giving him money, then I see him walk immediately to lcbo, you pay, he keeps coming, if you dropped your wallet, what do you think would happen…stop being naive people.
Has the grocery store been contacted about this? It’s possible they have security cameras and may have some surveillance footage of the suspect(s).
I have one word for these scammers and it won’t be printed here. Just be smart!
Sad isn’t it that people need to stoop so low. I like to trust people and this incident is limited to a few but it affects the trust of everyone.
Of course these bad actors look for a single person to victimize.
With so many places looking for workers I just don’t get it that these criminals try to find ways to cheat honest people.
It’s nuts…
Scary! I have Shared this to Facebook. It’d be beneficial if others do too.