Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is warning market vendors and small business owners to verify the legitimacy of event organizers before submitting applications, sharing personal information or sending payments, following a recent scam targeting vendors interested in participating in Blenheim Cherryfest.
Crime Stoppers said fraudulent vendor registration materials were recently circulated for the annual festival, prompting concerns about increasingly sophisticated scams aimed at small businesses.
“It came to our attention recently that someone outside of the Blenheim BIA used AI tools to generate a Facebook page, poster, and letter inviting vendors to register and be a part of the Blenheim Cherryfest. Whoever was doing this is not in any way associated with the Blenheim BIA or Blenheim Cherryfest. We have official information listed on the Blenheim BIA website, and the scammer was using other platforms for communication,” said Sam May, a volunteer with the Blenheim BIA and owner of Crossroads Pellets.
“Our volunteers reported this to police and to Facebook as soon as we became aware. We also posted a warning on our social media channels to alert vendors and community members about the scam.”
May said the incident has been frustrating for organizers and volunteers working to support the community.
“It’s very upsetting for everyone involved because we are trying our best to support our wonderful community, and to have someone take advantage of people using our event is terrible. We are doing our best to share information in hopes that it prevents others from falling victim to this type of crime,” May said.
Crime Stoppers noted that summer is one of the busiest seasons for markets and festivals across Chatham-Kent, with many events relying on small businesses and independent vendors. While much of the public sees the finished displays and products, organizers say vendors often spend significant time registering for events, planning logistics and managing operations behind the scenes, creating opportunities for scammers to target busy business owners.
“We strongly urge every business to verify and confirm that they are dealing with the official organization before signing a contract. While it does take time to do this, it can help ensure they do not fall victim to fraudulent activity,” said Erica McIntosh, coordinator for Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers.
“However, if someone encounters a situation where they have been scammed, the first step is to contact police through the non-emergency line. If the business owner has paid funds or provided financial information, the second step is to contact their bank and confirm that their accounts and information are protected. Depending on the payment method used, it may be possible to stop or reverse the transaction.”
Crime Stoppers said the growing availability of artificial intelligence tools has made it easier for scammers to create convincing posters, forms, websites and registration materials that closely resemble legitimate event communications.
The organization is encouraging vendors to watch for several warning signs, including demands for immediate payment, contact information that does not match official event websites, unsolicited approaches through social media, incomplete or unprofessional application materials and requests for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or personal e-transfers.
“As with anything you purchase, verify before you pay. Visit the event’s official website and confirm the vendor application process, ensure the contact information matches, verify the vendor coordinator is a legitimate representative of the event, and confirm that payment instructions are consistent with official communications,” McIntosh said.
“If something feels off, trust your instincts and verify independently. Taking a few extra minutes to confirm details can save vendors from losing money and protect their personal information.”
Crime Stoppers is also encouraging event organizers to regularly remind vendors to use only official application forms and approved payment channels.
Anyone with information about vendor scams is encouraged to contact police. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
