RCMP Investigate Credit Card Fraud Targeting 12 Saskatchewan Trucking Businesses
Key Takeaways
- •At least 12 heavy-duty trucking and transportation businesses across Saskatchewan have been targeted by a card-not-present fraud scheme since March 2026.
- •Fraudsters order high-value items such as truck tires and engine parts by phone, exploiting the delay between transaction approval and actual fund settlement before payments ultimately fail.
- •The investigation has extended across Western Canada, though no suspects have been identified and no charges have been filed.
- •RCMP warn that accepting multiple credit cards after an initial payment method fails is a common indicator of fraudulent activity.
- •Authorities urge businesses to independently verify caller identity and shipping addresses and not rely on caller ID, which can be spoofed.
Saskatchewan RCMP are investigating a fraud scheme that has targeted at least 12 heavy-duty trucking and transportation businesses across the province. According to an official RCMP release, the investigation began in March 2026 after multiple reports were received from communities throughout Saskatchewan.
Investigators say the scheme follows a consistent pattern characteristic of card-not-present fraud, where criminals exploit the gap between a transaction appearing approved and the moment funds are actually verified and settled. Callers place telephone orders for truck tires, engine oil, and trailer parts — high-value items that are readily resold — providing credit card details for payment. Each transaction initially appears approved and pending, prompting businesses to ship the products by courier. The payment subsequently fails, leaving the merchant without compensation for the shipped goods.
Affected Communities and Businesses
The targeted companies include automotive suppliers, tire shops, and fuel distributors. RCMP have identified affected locations in Battleford, Weyburn, Hudson Bay, Kindersley, Biggar, Assiniboia, White Butte, Moosomin, Cudworth, and Onion Lake. Many of these are smaller centres where local parts suppliers and tire shops may routinely process phone orders from trucking operators across the region, making verification practices especially relevant.
Investigation Spans Western Canada
The inquiry has extended beyond Saskatchewan's provincial borders. Authorities have identified related incidents throughout Western Canada, and officers from the Central District General Investigation Section are cooperating with police agencies in other jurisdictions. RCMP have not identified any suspects, filed charges, or disclosed the total value of losses.
RCMP Guidance for Businesses
The agency cautioned that criminals may expand targeting beyond the transportation sector. RCMP urged business owners to verify callers before processing any payment information and advised against relying solely on caller ID, which can be spoofed. Suspicious transactions should not proceed until a company completes thorough verification, including confirming the cardholder's identity and shipping address independently of the information provided by the caller.
Police specifically warned against accepting multiple credit cards after an initial payment method fails — a common indicator of fraudulent activity — and encouraged staff to remain alert for rushed or unusual requests.
Businesses that believe they have been targeted are urged to contact local police immediately. Saskatchewan residents can call 310-RCMP, while anonymous tips can be submitted to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers. Investigators have asked all potential victims to report suspicious transactions, even when no financial or material loss has occurred.
