UK scammers posing as McDonald’s buyers have stolen up to £2 million of goods.
A statement by Greater Manchester Police said the con artists pretended to be staff from the fast-food giant and purchased electrical goods from high-profile suppliers.
The items, including laptops, computers and televisions, were ordered with credit periods of between 30 and 90 days and delivered to addresses in Manchester, but never paid for. It is thought the fraudsters are now using the same scheme to obtain food, wines and spirits.
Detective inspector Neal Colburn appealed for help catching the criminals, who he said are likely to face “a long stretch behind bars” if caught.
“If your company is not a usual supplier for McDonald’s and you are contacted by an individual purporting to be placing an order on behalf of McDonald’s, please treat it with caution,” he said.
A McDonald’s spokesman said: “McDonald’s holds long-term relationships with its suppliers and any new suppliers will need to register before providing services.