City Of Northfield: Recent Phone Scams

Press release from the City of Northfield:

January 21, 2022

Businesses in Northfield have recently been targeted by a new phone scam. The scammers will call the local business and either identify themselves as “corporate” for those larger businesses, or explain that they sold a “new POS system” and need a payment to get the process going for the smaller business. They will then instruct the staff to remove the money from the safe and the register and take it to another business to transfer the money. Usually, a local gas station or grocery store that has this availability. The scammers will tell employees that they may be fired or arrested if they do not follow the order.

From an investigation standpoint, scams like these can be very difficult to track. Most of these individuals use phone numbers that are untraceable, and usually bounce between many numbers before it goes out of the country. To keep both your staff and business safe please make sure everyone is aware of this scam and does not adjust normal business practices without in person instructions from their supervisor.

Whenever suspicious activity occurs, whether at a business or a residence, citizens are urged to call Northfield Police at 507-645-4477.

Las empresas de Northfield han sido recientemente objeto de una nueva estafa telefónica. Los estafadores llamarán a la empresa local y se identificarán como “corporativos” para aquellas empresas más grandes, o explicarán que han vendido un “nuevo sistema de punto de venta (POS-por sus siglas en inglés)” y que necesitan un pago para poner en marcha el proceso para las empresas más pequeñas. A continuación, darán instrucciones al personal para que saquen el dinero de la caja fuerte y del registro y lo lleve a otro negocio para transferir el dinero. Por lo general, una gasolinera local o una tienda de comestibles que tiene esta disponibilidad. Los estafadores dirán a los empleados que pueden ser despedidos o arrestados si no cumplen la orden.

Siempre que se produzca una actividad sospechosa, ya sea en un negocio o en una residencia, se insta a los habitantes a llamar a la policía de Northfield al 507-645-4477.

This press release was produced by the City of Northfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.