Peel Regional Police warn about chocolate sales scam

Peel Regional Police is warning the public to be vigilant if approached by young children selling chocolate bars, which may be linked to illegitimate charities.

Police said fraudsters are “hiring” young children to stand outside of local malls and plazas to sell chocolate bars.

“Unfortunately, what’s happening is they’re using innocent kids who think they’re doing a good job for charity,” Sgt. Pete Brandwood told 680News.

“These fraudsters are using these kids as part of their plan.”

Police said it is a popular scam.

“One could probably suggest it’s more of an organized type of crime with some thought put into it,” Brandwood said.

The fraudsters often provide the children with pamphlets to suggest the charity is legitimate.

“Some of these fraudsters will actually go to what is believed to be a legitimate charity online, get a whole bunch of information and create a pamphlet that they will give to these kids,” Brandwood said.

The children are told that the proceeds will be donated to charity but the fraudsters are pocketing the sales.

Police advise parents of a child hired to sell chocolate bars to ask a supervisor what charity they are representing.

You can verify the authenticity of charity here.

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