Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: A fraud scheme is targeting American companies.

Brian Jacob: The FBI is aware of approximately 180 victims in 38 states with a total net loss approaching $9 million.

Halpern: I’m Mollie Halpern, and this is FBI, This Week. A current investigation shows that alleged fraudulent Canadian business entities set up fake references and credit checks in order to establish a line of credit with U.S. companies. Afterwards, the Canadian entities request materials, such as lumber or tires, to be delivered to them. Case Agent Brian Jacob says the products are picked up, but the payment is never made.

Jacob: They make lots of excuses why they can’t pay before finally just not answering the calls.

Halpern: Investigators say the scheme could change to target industries other than tire or construction material retailers.

Jacob: We’d like other U.S. industries to become aware of this scam and to look for it in the course of their business dealings.

Halpern: For more information, or if you believe you’ve been victimized by this scam, visit www.fbi.gov.