The Chef Xperience 268 experienced what its owner described as “an unfortunate and honestly heartbreaking experience” when scammers placed a fraudulent catering order using a stolen identity.
The business owner explained that the caller, identifying himself as Salem Hadeed, placed what appeared to be a legitimate last-minute catering order, providing a location and requesting specific dishes. Due to the nature of the request, the business made an exception to its usual deposit requirement.
“Because it was a last-minute order, and I try my best to serve with excellence, I made the exception of not requiring a deposit (which I usually do),” the business owner stated in a social media post warning other establishment.
Further investigation revealed the scope of the criminal activity when the business owner contacted the real Salem Hadeed, who confirmed that his identity had been repeatedly misused. “Someone has been using his name to scam food businesses across the island. Businesses like mine are losing money, energy, and time — all at our own expense,” the post revealed.
The scammers have been operating using multiple phone numbers, including 771-3145, 725-0435, 719-3340, and 721-6785, with both male and female voices being used in the fraudulent calls.
The business owner issued a direct warning to the industry, stating: “To all business owners — if anyone calls placing an order using the name ‘Hadeed’ or anything similar, please DO NOT proceed without a confirmed identity and a down payment.”
The case has been reported to authorities, with Criminal Investigation Department officers now investigating the matter.
Somebody will one day deal with these filthy scammers. They need to be caught.
We have to be very careful with how we live today!! Gun crimes aren’t the only thing affecting us. There’s cyber criminals as well.
Well now they will just use another name to scam people. I don’t understand how people are so wicked
Thank you to the business for this public service announcement. These scams are deceptive. I’ll be sharing this with my friends and family to ensure they are aware. Let’s all take a moment to double-check our accounts and be on the lookout for anything suspicious.
You made an exception because you heard the name Hadeed. Thats why. Last muntue catering and you didn’t ask for double deposit or even upfront payment with additional costs for immersed preparations? Your fault. Is the Hadeed name that had your head spinning
Good day.
I received a call just last week from that same 771 3145 #.
The person claimed to be mark hadeed a person I have met a few times.
The request was the same last minute, for finger foods, for a reception that evening. Unfortunately for them I was simply not interested.
I do understand your situation and I hope the police can actually help in this instance.
A year and a half ago there was another such scam targeting small businesses.
This was an advertisement scam the police did nothing…..