They say hockey is Canada’s national pastime but scammers seem to be skating circles around honesty these days. A recent scheme in Sydney, N.S. shows how fraudsters are exploiting small businesses’ hopes for visibility at Cape Breton Eagles games by dangling a fake vendor opportunity.
Here’s what happened: emails, supposedly from an Eagles employee, offered local businesses a vendor spot at the team’s September 26 home opener against the Moncton Wildcats for just $150. The deal promised exposure to thousands of fans at Centre 200, a tempting offer for small makers and shop owners eager to boost sales.
But it was all a sham. Scammers set up a convincing pitch, complete with scheduled “meetings” and claims of partnership. Instead of using official team email accounts, they reached out from an AOL address, hoping no one would notice. Some did catch on, but others, like a local café and dessert shop, unfortunately lost money before realizing the scheme.
Why should you care?
Scams like this don’t just cost businesses cash, they damage trust. Small businesses, already stretched thin, can’t afford to throw away marketing budgets on fraudulent schemes. Worse, being tricked can make owners hesitant about legitimate opportunities in the future.
How to protect yourself:
- Check the sender’s email domain — official team or organization emails won’t come from AOL, Gmail, or Yahoo.
- Verify with the source — call the business or franchise directly using contact info from their official site.
- Watch for language red flags — scammers often misuse terms (like calling the concourse a “stadium”) that insiders would get right.
- Don’t pay upfront without a signed agreement - legitimate partnerships usually involve formal contracts and clear terms.
- Be cautious with “too good to be true” offers, especially ones that pressure you to act quickly.
Quick Tip: Did you know? Most professional teams post their official events and vendor opportunities publicly on their websites or social media—if it’s not there, it’s worth questioning.
Pro Tip: Always trust your gut. If the language, price, or process feels “off,” pause and double-check before parting with your money.
Stay safe, stay informed, and remember: in business (and in hockey), the best defense is a strong defense.
Keyword Definitions:
- Vendor Scam: A fraud where scammers pose as event organizers offering fake vendor spots or advertising opportunities.
- Phishing Email: A fraudulent email designed to trick recipients into sharing information or sending money.
- Red Flag: A warning sign that something may not be legitimate, such as unusual email domains or inconsistent details.
- Domain Spoofing: Using a fake or lookalike email address to impersonate a trusted business or organization.
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