A Mount Pearl small business proprietor fell victim to a scam and is cautioning others before the holiday season. Claudia Fimbres, the owner of Mamacita Latin Kitchen and Market, disclosed to CBC News that she inadvertently registered for a fraudulent seasonal market, costing her $150.
Upon spotting a Facebook post in November soliciting vendors for a holiday market at Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios on December 6 and 7, Fimbres engaged with the poster. She was asked to pay $100 for a booth reservation and received an event pass via email. Subsequently, she was demanded an additional $50 for a license fee and threatened with losing her booth if the money was not sent. Later, she was asked for $40 for parking fees.
Growing suspicious, Fimbres withdrew from the event and requested a refund after receiving no response. Upon contacting the authentic Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios, she discovered that the poster was a scam mimicking a legitimate event, the Merry Makers Market, scheduled at the same venue on the same weekend.
Daniel Rumbolt, the executive director of the Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studio, noted that scammers have previously exploited their name and events for deceptive posts but not to this extent. He highlighted multiple fraudulent posts across various Facebook groups utilizing stolen imagery from their original event posters.
Despite the setback, the organizers of the Merry Makers Market extended an invitation to Fimbres to participate in the actual event after learning of her predicament. Fimbres expressed frustration over the ordeal, emphasizing her genuine intent to promote her business and engage with the community.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) advised business owners to exercise caution when making payments to unfamiliar individuals or organizations and promptly report any suspicious online activities.