The Ontario Provincial Police is warning business owners in St. Thomas, Ontario, about a scam where people pose as fire and safety inspectors to steal money. The alert follows an investigation into a recent incident on February 20, 2026, where a business in nearby Ingersoll lost nearly $2,000 to the fraud.
In that case, a person claimed to be an inspector and demanded immediate payment for safety supplies. The scammer told an employee not to tell their manager and instructed them to send money using a cryptocurrency ATM and a QR code.
Local news publisher Dan Wiest shared the warning, noting that real health and safety inspectors always carry photo identification. Official inspectors will never ask for cash, credit card payments, or digital currency while they are at a place of business.
The OPP West Region Headquarters is asking all business owners in Southwestern Ontario to be careful of unannounced visits or high-pressure phone calls. Residents who see suspicious activity or are approached by someone demanding immediate payment should contact the police to report it.
