Two York Region men arrested last week for their role in a gift card scam that involved tampering with barcodes on packages of meat are facing additional charges.
The men, a 38-year-old and a 30-year-old, have been linked to seven other incidents that occurred throughout Waterloo region between Oct. 31, 2024, and Jan. 29.
Police allege the men placed bar code stickers from stolen gift cards on grocery store meat.
When one of the meat products was selected by an unsuspecting customer and scanned at a checkout, the gift card associated to the barcode was activated.
Video surveillance and observations from store employees led police to the suspects.
On Jan. 29, at around 6 p.m., the men attended a grocery store in the area of Erb Street West and Fischer-Hallman Road in Waterloo where they were observed by store employees placing barcodes on high-value meat products and leaving the store.
Police located the pick-up truck they were seen leaving in and made the arrests.
With new evidence coming to light, both men have been additionally charged with theft under $5,000 and seven counts of fraud under $5,000.
Police say their investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 519-570-9777, extension 6370, or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Can you spot the scam?
— Waterloo Regional Police (@WRPSToday) January 31, 2025
The suspects apply unactivated gift card barcodes to packages of meat. Unsuspecting shoppers who purchase the meat with altered barcodes inadvertently activate the gift cards.
WRPS investigators have arrested and charged two males in connection to this… pic.twitter.com/i9ykroI23q
