The Bismarck Police Department is warning the public to be aware of quick change artists working in this area.

How it works: Quick-change artists are well versed in creating confusion and in the art of fast talking. Con artists will typically bring a small purchase item to the cashier and offer to pay with a high-denomination bill. As the cashier hands over the proper change, the con artist discovers they have a smaller bill and withdraws the larger bill. The customer attempts, through a rapid exchange of money, to confuse the cashier into believing the correct amount of money has changed hands. Quick change scammers usually end up walking away with all the change from the small bill plus all or part of the change from the larger bill.

Prevention: An alert cashier, who can maintain their composure, understands the importance of taking their time, and not becoming rattled when money is being transferred is the best defense.

When a cashier rings up a sale they should routinely take the cash from the customer and place the bills in a safe and open spot. The customer’s money should never be immediately placed in the cash drawer. Additionally, the cashier should count the change at least twice, once to themselves and the second time to the customer. If a customer attempts to exchange a smaller bill for the original bill, the cashier should retrieve the change, return it to the cash register, and start the change process over with the new denomination.

For more information, contact Sergeant Mark Buschena, 355-1874.