A family-run store in North Cork has warned other local businesses after they were scammed, causing them to give the thieves an ultimatum or face the consequences of their actions.
Two men entered the newsagents this Monday morning and requested a vape and a €100 Paysafe card from the shopkeeper.
When the clerk went to get it and had their back turned, one of the men took a quick picture of the code, saying he forgot his cash, after which the pair quickly exited the store.
A manager then called up Payzone operators to cancel the transaction, however the men had already used it, Cork Beo reported.
After looking back on CCTV footage, the store could clearly make out the men's faces and even managed to get the registration of their vehicle.
They took to social media to inform the thieves that they were armed with this information, given them the chance to return to make amends, or else they would contact gardaí.
Paysafe cards are to make purchases online and as the card doesn't keep track of a user's personal information, it's much harder to trace than something like a stolen debit card would be, and are often used by those who don't have a debit card.
They also warned other businesses in the area of the scam, asking them to remain vigilant.
The store owner said: “To these two lovely gentlemen that came into us today and asked for €100 Paysafe card and while Gary was getting them a vape, they photographed the code then couldn’t pay as they’d forgotten to bring money and the bank card wouldn’t go through.
“We contacted Payzone to cancel the voucher immediately but it had already been used. Note to all retailers who see this, Payzone told us this is happening a lot so please advise your staff.
"So lads, we have ye on CCTV, we have the reg of your black Audi and ye have until 9 pm to come back with the €100 or we will hand the footage over to Gardaí along with the reg of your car.”
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