The Peterborough County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are currently investigating two similar incidents where individuals have been scammed out of their skid steer loaders.
On Wednesday February 11, 2026, the Peterborough County OPP received a call from an individual reporting a skid steer they were selling had been paid for by a fraudulent cheque. The caller, a resident of Selwyn Township, advised that they had listed a skid steer loader for sale on an online platform. The caller was contacted on by someone claiming to be from a business saying they wanted to purchase it and arrangements w ere made for a pickup date and time. On Sunday February 1, 2026, a black pickup truck arrived at the scheduled time, and the driver provided the complainant with a cheque for the agreed upon amount. A short while later, it became clear to the caller that the cheque was fraudulent, and the purchaser was no longer able to be reached.
The skid steer, a 2024 CFMoto Skid Steer Loader, model CFG KRW232 was valued at over $14,000.
On Wednesday March 4, 2026, the Peterborough County OPP received a call from a business located in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township reporting a similar incident. The caller advised that the purchase of a skid steer loader was arranged by phone with the purchaser sending a cheque to the business. On Wednesday February 25, 2026, at approximately 2:00pm, a flatbed tow truck arrived at the business with instructions to pick up the skid steer and deliver it to a location in Scarborough. The business was later notified that the account the cheque was issued from did not have sufficient funds to cover the cost. Efforts were made to contact the buyer, but it was determined that the phone number had been canceled.
The skid steer, a 2015 CAT 259D Compact Track Loader was valued at approximately $45,000
Investigators are actively looking for information that may lead to the identification of the suspect(s) involved in these thefts. Police urge the public to call in tips on this case, or others, to the Peterborough County OPP at the non-emergency line 1-888-310-1122 or to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The OPP urge residents to remain vigilant and report any frauds, suspicious offers, or suspicious contractor activity. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
For more information on how to recognize and protect yourself from scams, visit //www.ontario.ca/page/identify-scam-or-fraud
To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.
Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
