First Capital Realty issues warning regarding mystery shopper / secret shopper scams

TORONTO, July 14, 2014 /CNW/ - First Capital Realty Inc. ("First Capital Realty" or the "Company") (TSX: FCR), Canada's leading owner, developer and manager of well-located, high quality, urban retail-centred properties, today issued a public warning regarding mystery shopper / secret shopper scams.

First Capital Realty has become aware that fake consumer research programs are being used to defraud unsuspecting victims. Under these scams, numerous consumers across Canada are receiving forged cheques and documentation and are being asked to pose as mystery shoppers at select retail locations. The forged cheques and documentation may in some cases be received after the recipient has applied or been contacted for employment as a mystery shopper. Victims of the scam are typically defrauded when they send funds to their "employer" as part of a mystery shopping assignment and, subsequently, the payment issued to the victim is denied when the forged cheque bounces after being deposited.

First Capital Realty does NOT utilize ANY mystery shopper services.

Mystery shopper or secret shopper scams may be carried out using various company names together with forged documentation carrying the name and logo of First Capital Realty. These are not programs that First Capital Realty has ever utilized and we have reported this activity to the appropriate authorities.

For additional information concerning scams and information on how to report or to ask about suspicious activity, visit the website of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or contact them by calling toll free 1-888-495-8501.

ABOUT FIRST CAPITAL REALTY (TSX:FCR)

First Capital Realty is Canada's leading owner, developer and manager of well-located, high quality urban retail-centered properties where people live and shop for everyday life.  The Company currently owns interests in 164 properties totalling approximately 24.4 million square feet of gross leasable area.

SOURCE: First Capital Realty Inc.

First Capital Realty Inc., 85 Hanna Avenue, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6K 3S3, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], www.firstcapitalrealty.ca, TSX:FCR