One of our members recently caught an attempted scam that’s worth sharing with everyone in the industry. The situation involved a fake ID and a stolen credit card, and thanks to some new procedures they had in place, the fraud was stopped before any money or materials were lost.

What Happened

A customer tried to make a purchase over the phone using a stolen credit card, then showed up at the yard with a fake photo ID. Because the team had started verifying that the credit card matched the customer’s ID, the salesperson immediately noticed something wasn’t right and stopped the transaction.

Afterward, the team discovered a website where anyone can make a fake ID in just a few minutes. Unfortunately, this type of scam is becoming more common for lumber yards, which makes it important to stay alert.

Their Updated Policy

Here’s what their updated Quick Sale and Will Call process looks like:

Quick Sale Orders: Staff check that the name on the ID matches the credit card or personal check. For orders over $1,000, they make a copy of the customer’s ID, write the sales order number on it, and file it.

Will Call Orders: Customers picking up prepaid orders must show the same card and ID used for purchase. If someone else is picking up, their name and ID are recorded, and the billing address is confirmed.

Exceptions: Known repeat customers and “tap-to-pay” purchases are exempt, since those cards are already verified.

When in doubt: If something feels off, employees are encouraged to pause the sale and check with management.

A Good Reminder for All of Us

This story is a good reminder that quick-sale and will-call orders can be easy targets for scammers. It’s worth taking an extra minute to confirm details, especially on large or unfamiliar orders. A few simple steps can protect your business and your customers.

Tips to Keep in Mind

• Always check that names and IDs match before processing a payment.
• Let customers know about your verification policy up front.
• Remind your team that it’s okay to slow down and ask questions.

Sharing information like this helps us all protect our businesses and look out for one another. Staying alert and communicating clearly is the best defense.