The proprietors of a small business in Manitoba have reported being scammed out of $150 and are expressing frustration over the incident. This deception is not an isolated case, as other individuals have also fallen victim to similar fraudulent schemes.
Lane Quigley and his spouse, Brooke, are the proud owners of Wheat City Wheatless Goods, a gluten-free bakery located in Brandon. Having established their business just eight months ago, they eagerly responded to an email received in July inviting them to participate in the Manitoba Night Market and Festival at Assiniboia Downs on July 19 and Aug. 23.
The email appeared highly authentic, leading Lane to believe in its legitimacy. They diligently completed the provided form, detailing their product offerings, and were quoted a price for participation. The couple worked tirelessly for 48 hours, preparing gluten-free baked goods for the market. However, upon contacting Assiniboia Downs for final confirmation, they were informed that their business was not listed for the event, casting doubt on the email’s credibility.
Upon investigation, it became clear that they had fallen victim to a scam orchestrated by an imposter posing as a representative of the night market. Despite losing $150 in the process, Lane considers themselves fortunate as market slots can cost up to $600. Following the ordeal, the couple received overwhelming support from their community after sharing their experience on social media.
In a proactive measure, the incident was reported to the authorities to prevent further occurrences. This deceitful tactic isn’t limited to Wheat City Wheatless Goods, as scammers have targeted vendors associated with various Manitoba pop-up markets. Shirley Muir, co-founder of the Holiday Alley festival in Selkirk, disclosed that one of their regular vendors recently received a fraudulent email inviting them to the event.
Similarly, Chandra Kremski, founder of Third and Bird, a business hosting urban markets across Manitoba, revealed that scammers have been exploiting their brand for some time. These deceptive practices underscore the importance of vigilance and caution when engaging with market invitations to avoid falling prey to financial fraud.
Other organizations in Manitoba, such as Manito Ahbee Festival and Manitoba Hydro Santa Parade, have issued warnings to vendors regarding scam emails falsely offering participation opportunities in their events. Winnipeg police have acknowledged receiving reports of similar incidents and caution vendors against relying solely on email communications, urging them to verify event details directly with the organizers via phone.
While no arrests have been made in connection with market scams in Winnipeg, authorities are actively investigating such fraudulent activities. By enhancing awareness and adopting preventive measures, businesses can safeguard themselves against falling victim to these deceptive practices.