A “quick change” artist has used distraction and sleight of hand to bilk two local businesses, prompting police to issue a warning.
The man was first spotted at the St. Albert Totem store on Aug. 5. He approached the clerk with $50 bills and asked for them to be changed into $20 bills. He placed the $50 bills on the counter, and while the clerk began to make change, he quickly pulled the $50 bills back into his pocket. After the clerk made change, he took the $20 bills and, while counting them again, slid more bills into his pocket.
The man also pulled a similar scam at the Real Canadian Superstore Liquor store on Aug. 7. In both cases he was accompanied by a young girl who appeared to be his daughter.
“He comes across as very friendly. He is telling jokes. He is doing things that put the clerk at ease and the little girl also asks a lot of questions,” said Cpl. Laurel Kading of the St. Albert RCMP.
Kading said both the man and his daughter are very charming and often distract the cashier at crucial moments to allow the scam to work.
“He is building up this rapport that makes him seem trustworthy,” she said.
The incidents should make it easier for clerks to stick to their store policies, which generally help avoid this sort of confusion, she said.
She also advised clerks to count at every step of the process.
“Don’t return any money without recounting anything. We are asking people to be extra vigilant.”
Kading said it is likely the man is practiced at this sort of scheme and he could try again.
“We also want the business community to spread the word, because if it works in one store it will work elsewhere,” she said.
The man is described as having darker skin. He has a medium build and dark, short, curly hair. The young girl has a similar complexion and wears her hair in pigtails.
Anyone who believes they’ve spotted the man in their store should contact police immediately, Kading said.
Anyone who has information on the pair is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or the St. Albert RCMP at 780-458-700.
