Pictured: Two males believed to be involved in gift card scam on Sept. 17, 2026, in Barrie, Ont.
Barrie Police is calling on retailers – and any other possible victims – to step forward after two suspects reportedly executed a gift‑card distraction scam at a Bayfield Street store.
Authorities say they were alerted on Sept. 17, when staff noticed cash was missing related to gift‑card transactions. Investigators found out that two suspects entered the store around 8:30 p. m., picked several gift cards, and asked the cashier to load money onto them.
According to police, one suspect kept the cashier busy while the second quietly swapped out the loaded cards for empty ones. The duo then requested a refund, saying they would come back with smaller bills. After getting their cash back, they left with the loaded cards.
Police indicate these suspects might be connected to almost three dozen similar gift‑card scams throughout Ontario.
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Police Advise Retailers on Distraction Techniques
Investigators encourage retail staff to stay vigilant against distraction methods which may involve “repeated questions, acting confused, engaging in conversation, becoming agitated, or accusing the cashier of some wrong-doing.”
They also suggest that employees keep control of gift cards until all transactions are fully completed to avoid fraudulent exchanges.
Anyone who thinks they might have been targeted in a similar incident is urged to reach out to police or check store surveillance footage for any suspicious activity.
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