Victims of fraudulent Peavy Mart websites and social media are being encouraged to contact their local police service.
In a press release issued Tuesday, police said Red Deer RCMP was notified on Monday, Feb. 10 of fraudulent websites and social pages posing as the legitimate business, Peavy Mart.
“These fraudulent websites claim to offer an online store for purchasing items. It should be noted that the real Peavey Mart does not operate an online store,” police said Tuesday.
The Red Deer-headquartered ag supply and hardware retail chain announced on Jan. 29 that all locations across Canada will be closing, including its MainStreet Hardware locations.
There are 20 Peavy Mart locations in Alberta including in Red Deer, High River, Airdrie, Westlock and St. Paul. The province’s two MainStreet locations are in Blackfalds and Ponoka.
Liquidation sales are currently ongoing in-store at the locations.
The company issued its own warning Monday of fraudulent activity involving fake social media profiles and websites falsely claiming to be Peavey Mart.
It notes its official website is peaveymart.com but it is not accepting orders, liquidation sales are in-store only and the company will never ask for credit card payments online or on the phone.
Anyone believing they are a victim of the fraudulent website is is asked to call their local police service. Potential victims residing within Red Deer are asked to contact the Red Deer RCMP.
It is also suggested they contact their financial institution and consider contacting both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada to monitor their credit report for any unauthorized activity.
RCMP urges the public to exercise caution when shopping online.
“Always verify website addresses to ensure you are on the official website before providing any personal or financial information,” police said Tuesday.
