DRC: Scam alert for produce suppliers

From the Dispute Resolution Corporation, a notice to suppliers:


SCAM ALERT



As we approach autumn in eastern Canada we are again witnessing the emergence and in some cases re-incarnation of fleece and scam artists. Over the last week we have been contacted about a number of entities operating out of Montreal, Toronto and various locations in the U.S.A. with connections back to Montreal and Toronto who are not members of the DRC nor licensed with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. They all appear to be sourcing or trying to source product from outside of their provinces which would require them to be DRC members or Licensed. Some of the names of the individuals associated with these entities are familiar to us, however, due to privacy laws, which do more to protect the crooks than the legitimate players we cannot tell you who they are. HOWEVER, WE CAN TELL YOU TO BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS ABOUT ANY NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.



The legitimate trade in Montreal and Toronto are fed up trying to compete with players who don’t pay their bills and they together with us would urge all shippers to be a little more careful than they have been in the past. Here are a few key things you need to do before you ship:



1. Make sure the buyer fills out a credit application and check it out thoroughly as some entities provide what appear to be very impressive credentials.

2. Make sure the buyer is a member of the DRC or Licensed in Canada by the CFIA or Licensed by PACA if they are operating in the U.S.

3. You may check active DRC members at www.fvdrc.com.



We know it is important to find new business partners, but make your decisions with all the facts.



Fruit & Vegetable

Dispute Resolution Corporation

Tel: 613-234-0982

Fax: 613-234-8036

Email: info@fvdrc.com