Published: May 15, 2008 01:19 am            

CRIME: Sheriff's department issues alert for 'flimflam' artists

The Niagara County Sheriff’s Department is warning local businesses to look out for a pair of “flimflam” artists targeting cashiers.

The suspects have reportedly conned cashiers at two local restaurants into exchanging money with them, confusing them into giving out more change than is required.

On Monday, a manager at Quiznos Subs on South Transit Road reported that an employee had been shortchanged for $100.

The employee said that a black male bought a cookie and paid for it with a $20 bill. Once she had the bill, he asked her to change the bill for him. He then asked her for $20 in $5s, then $40 in $10s, telling her several times to put the money aside so her hands were free.

This went on for about five minutes, the report said.

The employee said she felt very confused, and told her manager about the situation after the man left.

The manager counted the drawer and found it was short $100.

The suspect was described as a black male, middle-aged, of thin build and medium height.

On Tuesday, an employee at Tim Hortons on South Transit Road reported that an unidentified black male scammed a cashier out of about $63 during a transaction.

A video of the incident showed the suspect was with another man who was distracting other customers in line.

The sheriff’s department is advising businesses to report any suspicious activity by calling 438-3393.

Anyone with information about the two recent incidents is asked to call the criminal investigation bureau at 438-3327.

        

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