Scammers are once again targeting small businesses. In a social media post, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market warned vendors about a fake email account requesting deposits for upcoming events. “If you receive a message that seems unusual, contains different payment instructions, or doesn’t feel quite right, contact us directly to verify before sending funds,” it said. Vendors were reminded that applications are only accepted through the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market’s website, and any communication will be sent from email addresses that end with @stjacobsmarket.com. “We will never ask you to send payment to an email address that doesn’t end with schlegelurban.com,” the post said. Similar scams Similar schemes were reported this summer across Waterloo Region. Organizers for the Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival said someone sent emails to vendors requesting an insurance deposit of $248. One small business tried to send the money but, luckily, the transaction was blocked by their bank. In June, the City of Kitchener said someone sent out emails about “exclusive” vendor opportunities at the Christkindl Market. The City of Cambridge issued a similar warning in August after vendors were emailed fake applications for the Winterfest Holiday Market. Scammers also pretended to be the organizers of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. Some messages even claimed to be from executive director Tracy Van Kalsbeek. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest said they were contacted by vendors who fell for the fake requests and ended up losing hundreds of dollars.
