A recent online scam targeting registration for Blenheim Cherryfest has prompted a warning from Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers.
Vendors and small business owners are advised to verify that any type of event registration is legitimate before submitting applications, sharing personal information, or sending any payment.
"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," said Sam May, a volunteer with the Blenheim BIA and owner of Crossroads Pellets. "Whoever was doing this is not in any way associated with the Blenheim BIA or Blenheim Cherryfest."
In this case, information for Cherryfest is listed on the Blenheim BIA website and on the BIA's official social media channels.
"The scammer was using other platforms for communication," May explained. "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 added that the situation was upsetting to everyone involved, especially those who were taken advantage of, and that the BIA is trying to spread awareness to keep anyone else from becoming a victim.
According to Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers, the growing use of artificial intelligence has made creating convincing fake materials increasingly easy.
The organization is encouraging people to watch for five common warning signs:
• A demand for immediate payment - Legitimate event organizers typically provide clear application deadlines, review processes, and written confirmation before requesting payment.
• Contact information that doesn't match the event - Always verify that the email address, website, and phone number belong to the actual event organizer. When in doubt, contact the event organizer directly using information found on their official website.
• They approach you first through social media - Many vendor scams begin with a comment or direct message. Scammers often target businesses commenting on event posts.
• An application that looks unprofessional or incomplete - Watch for poor grammar, missing event details, a lack of organizer information, and a lack of refund policies.
• Unusual payment methods - Established events typically use secure payment systems, business accounts, or recognized registration platforms. Be cautious if you're asked to send money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or personal e-transfers to an individual rather than an organization.
"If something feels off, trust your instincts and verify independently," said Erica McIntosh, Coordinator for Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers. "Taking a few extra minutes to confirm details can save vendors from losing money and protect their personal information."
McIntosh added that the first contact anyone should make, if they feel they've been scammed, is the police.
"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," she said. "Depending on the payment method used, it may be possible to stop or reverse the transaction."
Anyone with information about vendor scams is encouraged to contact Chatham-Kent police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
