Owners of a popular Windsor coffee cart are warning other small businesses after falling victim to a sophisticated email scam that cost them $500. The fraudsters posed as representatives from the Windsor Spitfires hockey organization.
The Deceptive Offer
Montañeros Coffee cart owners Caterine Arboleda and Wilmer Hernandez received what appeared to be a legitimate business inquiry from someone claiming to represent the Windsor Spitfires. The email, which seemed authentic, offered a catering opportunity that would have been a significant boost for their small business.
The scam unfolded in late November 2025, with the fraudulent communication appearing to come from the well-known local hockey team. The perpetrators used the team's reputable name to create a false sense of security, making the offer seem genuine to the unsuspecting business owners.
How the Scam Worked
After initial correspondence, the scammers requested a $500 payment under the guise of a deposit or fee. Trusting the established reputation of the Windsor Spitfires organization, Arboleda and Hernandez processed the payment, only to discover later that they had been targeted by fraudsters.
The Windsor Spitfires have since issued an official warning to local businesses about the scam circulating in the community. Team representatives confirmed that the organization does not conduct business in this manner and alerted the public to be cautious of similar fraudulent attempts.
Broader Implications for Local Businesses
This incident highlights the growing sophistication of email scams targeting small businesses in Windsor and across Canada. Local entrepreneurs are urged to verify unusual payment requests, even when they appear to come from established organizations.
The coffee cart owners hope their experience will serve as a cautionary tale for other small business operators in the region. They emphasize the importance of double-checking credentials and payment processes before transferring funds, regardless of how legitimate an offer may seem.
As email scams become increasingly common, business owners are advised to implement verification protocols for financial transactions and to report suspicious activity to local authorities immediately.
