‘Quick change’ scam targets inexperienced cashiers

Ottawa police are looking for half a dozen “quick change” scam artists.

Police said Monday they were investigating a string of incidents in Ottawa between Nov. 27 and Jan. 22, in which the scammers have preyed upon young, inexperienced cashiers, tricking them into handing over too much change.

The way the scam works, police said, is that the suspect enters the store and pays for a small item with a $50 bill.

Before the cashier has a chance to make change, however, the suspects attempts to “engage the cashier in a speedy series of money exchanges thereby confusing the cashier.”

The customer then helps the cashier by telling them how much money they need to give back, leaving the cashier shortchanged.

Police said that in some cases, a second suspect acts as a distraction to further confuse the cashier.

Police ask anyone with any information on the incidents contact Detectives Jody Moore or Anh Dieu of the Ottawa Police Service West Division Investigation Section at 613236-1222, ext. 2666 or Crime Stoppers at 613-236-1222, ext. 2666 or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.