John Stark, consumer blogger for the Bellingham Herald, passed along this news release from a Lynden business. It's a good reminder that businesses are targets of wire transfer scams too.

Brian Poag, owner of Jake’s Western Grill at 8114 Guide Meridian, said a person contacted his restaurant about catering an event for 200 people. The person said he was handicapped and needed to communicate through a third party.

The “third party” communicated by e-mail, saying the barbecued pork sandwiches and baked beans should be packed by Jake’s Western Grill in individual containers and would be picked up by a private shipper. But Poag recognized the scam attempt when he was asked to charge an additional $1,500 to the person’s credit card and wire the $1,500 to him, allegedly so other bills could be easily paid.

“The scammers probably thought a large order would entice us to bypass some basic precautions in how we do business, particularly with a new customer,” Poag said. “We immediately ended communication with them and informed the Lynden Police Department.”

Poag said he wants other local businesses to be aware of scams like this. “We need to share information so we don’t become victims, particularly in these economic times,” Poag said.

Thanks, John, for the story. And thank you, Poag, for sharing the warning with other businesses.

Posted by Kristin Alexander All Consuming Blog Moderator at 10/30/2009 02:31:35 PM |