Why would I do a fortune check? I don't have a check. >> A fake ID. You can't have a fake ID. All right. Stay right there. >> That's not a fake ID. This is not a >> You're trying to do a fraudulent transaction. $38,000. >> Some scammers think they're invincible and can outsmart everyone. But what happens when they're caught red-handed by cops with a much higher IQ than them? >> There's video of you >> pulling lot tickets >> that I paid for. I got it on transaction. There's no payments. >> I don't have to steal anything. I pay for everything. >> These were the moments when dumb scammers got outsmarted by 200 IQ cops. Starting off with a credit card scammer, Jasmine, who thought she could outsmart the police after committing a $1,500 fraud at a car dealership. >> Who is it? >> My auntie. >> Is she the one who made the payment then? >> I think she was my car. >> I swear I use TTK blah blah. So I said, "So why are they saying that it's a lie? None of the birth dates that you or Skyler gave to me come back to anybody. >> On June 31st, 2023, police were called to a Mercedes service center after a woman with a shady record paid her bill via Apple Pay. Minutes later, a North Carolina resident named Cara Willard reported a $1,500 charge on her credit card, prompting officers to rush to the dealership to investigate. >> Hi, my name is Carol. I I live in North Carolina. I just got a charge from my dealership to my credit card for $1,500. >> Okay. Um, all right. So, you didn't have your card here for service at all? >> No, I live in North Carolina, so I'm home. >> Can you tell me what's going on? >> So, we got uh a credit card dispute for fraudulent charge on Friday. >> Okay. >> For customer whose car was actually in for service. >> Okay. as of now. >> Okay. >> Um, so I was working through that card owner claimed fraud. Names didn't match that whole whole shebang. This morning she paid online and it wasn't 5 minutes later. We got a call from a lady in North Carolina saying, "Hey, you just hit my credit card for 1534.92 or whatever it was. I live in North Carolina. Never been in Illinois. None of this drives." So we went looking the invoice dollar amount and the payment match that invoice for that same client again. >> So >> so she was in in June that credit card got disputed as fraud. >> So her car Okay. So she's essentially using she's done this twice now where it's been >> second time where it appears to be stolen credit cards. >> Credit cards to pay for service for her actual vehicle. >> Correct. Correct. It's her vehicle. Okay. >> But there the name like the one in June the name didn't match. Uh the one today I won't I won't see the name till it batches at night. >> Okay. >> But a lady called from North Carolina gave me phone number name. So if you need anything feel free to call me. I'll dispute it when it posts but I got to wait till it post. Sure. Do you have the information from the last one? Has that been >> claim? >> Do you have the invoice for what was done for the car and all that stuff? Okay. >> Officers quickly spotted a pattern. The same suspect Jasmine was likely using stolen cards to pay for car services. When confronted, Jasmine tried to distance herself from the accusations. >> I don't know. I will call her, but that don't have nothing to do with me. You know, they have her name and information. When I dropped her off, they know that. But they could have just told me that. You know, they calling the police and stuff. This I could have figured this out. >> I think I think it might depend on how the car got declined. Sometimes those show up as just a decline charge, like your car doesn't have money on it. And sometimes it shows up as >> You could have just said that. >> I know. Sometimes it shows up as fraud, which they won't tell you that cuz if someone's trying to defraud them, they're not going to tell you. >> Okay. >> Right. Like that's why we I take calls here all the time for these. >> Oh, really? >> But you can't like still they're still out money. So you can't take the car. We got to we got to resolve this. Otherwise, you're taking a car without paying for it. There'd be a service. >> Okay. So, let's do this. I I have to get to work. So, how fast >> the quickest way is going to go back there, too. Cuz what I don't want to see happen is that if you were to drive off with the car under the understanding of payment, then they start looking at this. It's like a theft of services cuz they still don't have any money. I think it could have the money. >> No, but that what they're telling us is that that transaction once it went through and she goes, "Hey, payment made." >> They got they got the notice that it was declined. >> So, it went through, but then the credit card company called and said, "Hey, we're not going to authorize that payment." So, I think something's up with her card. That would be my guess. >> That would be my guess, >> bro. I'm not going to lie. From here, if they whatever they don't figure out, I will pay for it. But I'm going to need my card. This is my car. >> Okay. >> If you wanted to pay if you wanted to pay for the whole thing and they get square with her later, you can do that, too. That's actually probably the quickest way to get out of here. >> Jasmine dodged questions, talked in circles, and insisted she had nothing to do with the fraud. But this only deepened the officer's suspicion that she was hiding more than she let on. >> I'm going to hang out right here cuz I this this >> We got to go inside and compare this to the paperwork. Unless you want me to take your phone and everything with you. So, let's go. Let's go in here. Why? >> You can't I'm going to give you permission to park because I need to see it. >> Why you can't just I can't just park >> in the handicap spot. That's fine. This is a longer conversation, so we might want to go inside. >> I'm just being I'm being honest with you. >> I got to get to work. Why God can't call her? >> No, Jasmine, you're the one that's here with this. We need We need to talk. >> I don't I Look, I got to get to work. I'm not sitting here dealing with that. I'm not going to lie. I don't have nothing to do with this cuz I got hurt. >> Jasmine, I'm I'm telling you right now, if you if you drive away, I promise there's going to be a criminal charge against you. >> For what? >> Because I'm looking at the documents that they have and they're showing me it's way more complicated than what you were explaining to me. >> So, let's go back. What's your sister's name? >> We don't have that information. >> Who is Who is Cara Willard? >> That's my teacher. >> Who is it? >> My auntie. >> Is she the one who made the payment then? >> I think she was my aunt. >> Okay. That's does Does your auntie know here? Let me I'm going to tell you exactly what happened, okay? Like this is just moment by moment. You come here for the service. You you have your sister come and pay for the card. This card gets used and then if Cara will your auntie. >> Yeah. >> She calls here and then says my card was just used here. I don't know why. >> Oh, she mustn't tell. >> So she said this is a fraudulent transaction. She called here right away. >> Oh, >> that's why we have to resolve it. Look, I'm telling you, there's a simple answer to this. But we need to go in and talk about this. >> I don't want that. Y'all need to call. >> Do you have your Do you have your auntie's phone number? >> Yeah. >> What's your auntie's phone number? >> I'm not you. Right now, I'm telling you, you're not free to go until we resolve this. >> She said I am. They want to do whatever they want to do. That's fine. >> No, I'm telling you right now, you're not free. She did not know what I knew. I'm telling you right now. >> So, what what that what is it? cuz you're the one here that was getting service on your car, taking a car that's rightfully theirs to hold until it's paid for. >> It's not right. This is why it is. >> No, not not when you drop it off for payment. It'd be a theft of service if you were to drive away from here right now. >> I don't know why they gave you your car back in the first place. They should have never given your car back. Now you have your car, but they are saying that you still owe them $1,500. >> The transaction that was Apple Pay went through. I know that's >> and the owner calls over the card and says this isn't good. So >> Oh, that's the problem. >> So, was Skyla Skyla probably didn't tell her >> didn't probably give her all the money? I don't know. >> All right, give me a quick I'm going to make one quick phone call. I'm going to try calling Cara. Is it Cara? >> With conflicting names and fake licenses in play, officers made a crucial call to the real victim, Cara Willard, the North Carolina card holder, to shed light on the scam. So, just to be very clear, does does the name Skyler Johnson mean anything to you? >> No. >> Uh, how about anybody named Jasmine Box? Uh, Boxley? >> No. >> No, not at all. >> No. >> All right. Um, and you said this is the best time to reach. >> It is. >> I think that's the only question that I have for you right now. I might call and follow up later. I'm still kind of dealing with this in progress, but I wanted to reach out with you just to make sure some of that stuff. So, you said that this is Skyler's car. >> My sister. Exactly. >> Okay. Your sister. Where is she at right now? >> She lives in Quincy. >> Okay. Is this her? Is this her driver's license? >> Mhm. >> Okay. How come there's no record of that? I I ran this driver's license. There's no record on her license at all. That can't you can't even find the name. Well, look. You're driving her car. >> This is the way it involves you, too. So, Okay. And how do you And you pay her? >> No, I don't pay her. I have like a app that I pay through the kernel like five something a month. Where's Where's Where's Cara live? >> Who? >> Where's Cara? >> Cara. That's her auntie. I don't know. She just I called her in front of the other officer. I >> I think I think we might be having some crosswives cuz I don't think who I talked to on the phone that reported their card is >> And that's what I'm saying. I think she lying to me. >> Who? >> Skyler. Skyler. Because I asked her like, "So, when I send you the money, who car did you use? Yours or your boyfriend?" Or, "What did you do, Skylar? Don't lie to me." Cuz the police is here looking at me like I'm crazy. >> You're in the hot seat right now. >> And I'm in the hot seat. Yeah. and you don't and I'm grown. Don't lie to me about nothing because it's not that serious. She like I swear I use TTK blah blah. So I said so why are they saying that it's a lie? Like I said I can come pay that Friday but y'all going to have to do that other >> here. At the end of the day car's been released. I'm not putting on a payment plan. That's not that's not how that flies. >> What you mean the car has been released? >> Yeah, you have the car. >> No, no, no, no. Hold on. the >> the car the car is the car is done with its work. But right now because of the the >> So are you giving me my car >> right now? I'm pretty sure the police are going to be holding on to the car until we can get it resolved because right now like >> well if they're willing to our financial crimes unit is coming out here to look at this cuz this has now gone past what I've got. >> That's fine. But if they've given me my car, why can't I keep my car? >> Because right now I have no idea about I'm tell you right now. I don't know who I don't know who Skyla is. >> Okay. >> Cuz she doesn't have a valid driver's license. So, I have no idea where that comes from. I don't know where it's registered to. I don't know where the insurance is coming back to on it. >> And then, and then right now, like as you're driving it, like all of this is connected to this other financial side of things that ends up being very, very complicated. >> What you mean? >> There's a stolen card that was used to pay for your work today. You're the one in the car. >> Car. There's a stolen card. stolen account information that was used to pay for your work today and going like this is not an excuse. >> Officers swiftly tore apart Jasmine's story, pointing out contradictions, especially about the sister and aunt who supposedly made the payment. Cornered, she was left with few options as they prepared to dig deeper. >> But if he's not holding my car, I don't understand why y'all holding my car. >> Right now, the best I can figure out is your car is registered to somebody who doesn't exist. Cuz I don't have Skyler here. Skyler's driver's license that she provided when she paid for the car in the first place isn't coming back to anybody. Okay. >> So, I have no idea who that is. So, this is why I'm kind of asking you. You're you're pointing to people that I can't talk to. >> I just had her on the phone. >> I don't know, but I don't know who I'm talking to on the phone. >> What you mean? I just >> You come here. She come to the police department and try to explain it if she wants to. >> You want her to come all the way from Quincy? I mean, I would tell her to, but >> if if it's her car and she's responsible for the payments. Yeah, that is going to be the request at some point. >> Okay. >> I don't want I don't want to put the cart before the horse on that, right? So, I'm going to wait to talk to some of the other detectives. >> So, who's taking my car? >> Uh, right now that's undecided. I'll let you know though right now >> because if he did not keep right now just like I told you. >> This is my car. I done paid almost $2,000. It's registered to Skyler. >> Yeah, but I done paid the car though. I done gave her 750. I done got two new back to This is my car >> from a legal perspective. It's not. It's Skyler's car cuz that's who it's registered to. >> Yeah, but if it's mine because I didn't paid for it. >> Okay. Skyler can tell me that when it comes down to show it because I actually don't have any idea who Skyler is. I have no idea who >> But what does that have to do with cuz you're here with the car. You made the car. >> I paid her for it. Not only did I just pay all that stuff, I gave her the $1,500 payment. >> I don't want I don't Do you Do you have any questions for him about the >> I mean, he said that it's released. So now it's just me and you. >> That was the reason on why you're not getting a loaner cuz it's done for its service. That's what he means by release. Is that correct? Correct. >> That doesn't mean that you're free to go and take it because we're still connected to all these other things that I'm investigating that we're looking into. >> Okay. >> So the quicker if you have answers to this, the quicker we get to them the quicker we can find a conclusion. >> What is not answered? >> What's answered is who paid for it? Where did that car come from? Who's Skyler? Where is it? No, Skyler didn't pay for it. >> She did pay for >> No. >> That's what she told me. Look, like Jasmine, she didn't. Cara Willard, which is not her auntie. >> I just talked to her on the phone. I just talked with her. >> And listen, I don't know. I know I sealed my payment. how whatever she did, I have absolutely no clue on how >> who you sell. >> Huh? Skyler. >> Who is Skyler? Cuz I'm telling you, I'm running Skyler's driver's license and it's not >> my sister. I don't have to lie to you about that. >> The investigation uncovered a maze of fake accounts and bogus IDs tied to the car and payments. Growing frustrated, the suspect struggled to explain her link to Skyler. With her story full of holes, officers shifted their focus and called her sister. >> Skyler, what is going on? cuz they trying to say that. >> Okay. Well, let's look here. You're you're on speaker phone with the police right now. Neighborville police. Is this Skyler? >> Yes. >> Skyler, what's your last name? >> What's going on? >> Skyler, what's your last name? >> Girl, tell us my last name. >> Johnson. >> Johnson. How do you spell it? >> J O H N S O. >> Okay. Skyler. Is it S K Y L A R? >> Yes. What's your middle name? >> I don't have a middle name. >> You don't have a middle name? >> No. >> What's your birthday? >> Birthday. >> Tell them your birthday and tell them what's going on. >> I'm trying to figure out what's going on. >> No, because >> Skyler. Skyler. Right now, the question is, what's your birthday? >> January 28th. >> What year? >> Skyler, what? Tell them. >> Officer Christensen, you're here with Detective Maldonado as well. sister's here at the car dealership cuz she was trying to pick up a car. She is here because you told her that it was getting paid for it. Right, Jasmine? >> Yeah, she did. >> And the payment was then called in by somebody else saying that my card was used here and that person doesn't live in this state. So, right now your sister's sitting in the hot seat for this and she's pointing to you. >> So, what did you do? Did you What? What? What is it that you did? Just you you want me to take y'all speaker? >> My boyfriend gave I was my boyfriend card. I don't know. I What's the problem? >> What What's your boyfriend's name? >> Skyler, I don't have time for this. You about to have me in trouble for some stuff you did. I sent you the 750 and I trusted you with my money. If I knew you was going to do some crazy stuff, I wouldn't even did all that. So, just tell what's going on. Just Just say it. I mean I I don't you got me looking crazy. I don't have time for this. So what did you do? Who car did you use? >> I'm telling how you car >> Skyler when the when the car was originally bought. >> He asking basically is it your car or not? That's basically what you're saying. >> Yeah, it's my car. >> Where'd you buy it? >> What? What is going on? on this counter and they >> because basically they're trying to figure out what's why did you use >> sky let's let's let's reset one more time here too cuz what I I'm telling you right now I'm looking at a copy of a driver's license that looks like you looks like it's yours and I don't have any record of it in the law enforcement system so where do you currently have a driver's license at? >> Police dug through paper and digital trails finding no car purchase records or payment links tied to a legitimate owner. As the pressure mounted, the suspect's final defenses crumbled. >> I don't understand this. >> Call me. Call me. I need to know that that's the number on that phone. >> I can't do that. >> Okay, then hand me the phone right now. It's going to become part of the evidence for this case. >> Why? >> Because it's part of the evidence. I I don't have to tell you that. I'm telling you right now. >> Jasmine, call me. Call me. >> Hey, Jasmine. It's a phone you're using. What's >> I'm not comfortable giving him my work phone. I'm not >> I just need the number. I don't >> That is your work phone number. >> That's your work phone that you called your sister on. >> I called on both phones. So >> what? Like I don't get what >> All right, Scott. We're getting a little weird here because like >> I don't cuz I don't want to give him my phone. >> Oh yeah, that is kind of weird. I'm calling it right now and it's not dialing to you. What? >> That's not the number for this phone. >> It's not. Okay, I'll just give you a number. Is that >> okay? >> I'll just call you. What's the number? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Here you go. >> But don't be getting my job. >> The number that you just called on your work phone is the number on all of the paperwork for Skyler from the >> Yes, because they have to call me to pick up the car. He knows that. >> Why in the world would that be there, too? >> They got both numbers. What do you mean? >> Skyler's driving back to anything else, too. So, all right. >> So, what do you mean? >> This is this is the depth of it. >> What do you mean this is the death? They have to call me to pick up the car. So, they have two numbers on file. >> Why am I so did something? But is she not telling me? >> I can't help it over here. The other thing that adds into this is that none of the birth dates that you or Skyler gave to me come back to anybody. >> I never gave you. >> What do you mean I gave you my birthday? >> Oh, when she was No, Skyler. Skyler's birthday. Listen, I just like I told >> you told Skyler to give me the real birthday on the phone. You said it out loud what it was. It's the one that's on her driver's license. It was used when we bought the car. >> I don't know. >> With the evidence mounting against Jasmine, the officers finally moved in to take definitive action. >> Jasmine, when I when I ran your driver's license, it shows me the last places that it ran and I saw that Will County probation ran. Are you on probation for them at all? >> Yeah. >> Okay. For what? >> Um job suspended and retail. How did Skyler get the link to pay? >> You said it was an online payment, right? >> For the invoice. >> Yeah. But how did she get that? Like, did you send it to her? >> Yeah, I copied the She's saying that she look like me. How does she look like me and I got tattoos? She know. >> I'm just saying, hey, just personal >> and I got a face tattoo. >> Okay. >> And this I'm telling her this is [ __ ] old. This is 2, three years ago. I don't look [ __ ] with her. >> How easy to cover up that? >> What you mean to cover it up? I don't wear makeup and [ __ ] Is that what you're trying to say? Y'all like eyeliner or you got mascara on. >> It's not difficult to cover it up. >> You've all had enough of it. With you getting the text for the payment for >> whether you forwarded it or not, that's what you >> whether you forwarded it or not, there's enough information on there to show that you got the payment. Even even if you farted or not, >> you're still at fault for it. >> How my fault. I never paid or used nobody's stuff. >> Can you face that way for me, please, Jazz? >> Yes. Well, can you tell me more? >> We'll we'll talk more in the jail. I told you right now. >> But what am I going to jail for? >> For at this point, with the credit card fraud, constantly identity theft, you don't know what's going on with that car at this. >> So, why am I going to jail? That's not my car. >> Okay. Well, then we're going to figure that out. >> We are going to jail. Can you take me to the bathroom first? That's fine. I don't >> We'll be in our jail pretty quick. We'll literally be in our jail. >> We're not We're not doing that. This even makes sense. Yay. You said you made a payment though. >> I to her. I never paid nothing to her. >> Jasmine was arrested and charged with multiple charges including credit card fraud and identity theft. Moving on to a lottery ticket scammer, Shenica Gray, whose scheme quickly got exposed by the cops. >> Do you know why we're here? >> No. >> No. So, there's video of you holding lotto tickets >> that I paid for. >> Cuz I met you. I didn't see any payments. >> I don't know why you didn't cuz I got all my transactions. >> No, I'm telling you the truth. Video footage. I don't I mean it's video foot but I got all type of transaction. I don't have to steal anything. I pay for everything. >> On August 6th, 2025, Joliet police officers were called to a Speedway gas station after reports surfaced that one of their employees had been pocketing thousands of dollars in stolen lottery tickets. >> Are you Shenica? >> Yeah. >> Can we talk to you in the back really quick? >> Shenica. Shenica, can you go to the left? Right over here. >> What? >> Right over here. Back here. >> So, you know why we're here by chance? >> No. >> No. So, there's video of you pulling lot tickets >> that I paid for. I got it on transaction. >> No payments. >> Yeah, I did. >> Pull up some transaction. >> I sure can. You want me to go get my my phone? >> Where's it at? >> My phone there in the front. >> Where at? >> On the counter. >> What color? Do we have a case on it? So, >> you're saying you paid for all these >> all tickets? And I do. >> Okay. >> Cuz I got proof cuz I buy from Price Price Scanner. Just >> grab the phone. because I got all my transactions. >> Can you pull that video up so we can look over it again? >> The suspect, Chenica Gray, was quickly brought to the back office. From the moment officers confronted her, you could see her scrambling to find a way out. What she didn't realize, though, was that investigators already had video evidence. It showed Gray slipping lottery tickets under the register, scanning them on her phone, and then tossing away the losing ones. Let's >> see the 21st. $850 >> transfer $650 to my cash app which I paid. Go to 650 right there. 650. >> Where's the cash app transaction? >> I just showed it to you. I transferred from my I transferred the money from my cash app to my Visa card. >> Okay. And where's the transaction on the Visa card? >> I just showed it to you at the store though. 850. That's crazy. >> I thought they just be straight over. >> No, I'm telling you the truth. >> I don't I mean it's video foot, but I got all type of transactions. >> Let's see them to the store. >> You said on which day? >> The 21st. >> 21st $850 and the 30th $600. 5:08 a.m. You >> say 30 $600 on the 30th. >> You going to feed Speedway 50, Speedway 20? >> Not that. >> These all the transactions don't get you for Speedway. I don't have to steal anything. I pay for everything. >> Okay. >> So, how many transactions did you make to end up to the 600 or whatever dollars? >> All my transactions from Speedway. >> All of them. >> Okay. Those are different days. We're talking about two separate days where two separate transactions came out. >> And the 30th, >> the 21st. >> Yep. >> But I don't have I wish I had kept the receipts, but it's not on there. >> As officers pressed her for proof of her story. Gray tried to show old transactions, but the dates didn't line up and her excuses fell apart almost instantly. When she couldn't produce anything to back up her innocence, it was clear the game was over. >> Well, then you're under arrest. >> That's fine. Can I get my stuff? Get out later. >> Okay. >> Can I take your phone? I'll hold on to it for you. Okay. >> Put your hands on. >> I don't understand how, but Okay. >> Can I go at the back and not the front? >> You have an idea on you at all. >> It's in my purse. There's your gra. That's what I was saying. Can I get it? >> Go to the >> My partner's going to search you quick. >> That is crazy right there. >> Step up. Okay. >> You're fine. >> You Your legs work though, right? Your legs kind of tight though. I'm just >> Are you guys able to send a flash drive with us? >> Do you have anything on you? Needles, weapons, anything. >> Just a question I have to ask. Okay. If you don't, no, too. >> I don't have anything. It's just crazy right here. >> Yeah. And again, right now, it's just not adding up. If you have the evidence to show you didn't do it, then >> Right. I know. And I'm glad I got to go to court, right? Yes. You'll >> go to court at court. >> Yeah. You can prove it out of court, then not a big deal. How long you been working here? I >> only been working here since May. I never took anything. Like seriously, everything that I did was transaction. >> Where did you work at before working? >> This I don't even do jobs like this. For real. I don't steal, bro. Like that. Just >> Thank you. Here. You don't have to put right there. It's fine. [Music] [Music] >> After the search, the woman was escorted out the front door, forced into a walk of shame before being taken to jail. Sorry. >> What color is your purse? >> It's black. It's right here. Well, all my beds and everything that's match everything right there. >> Are we able to get >> here? Look, I got you. You're fine. >> Because I don't do this. [Music] >> There's nobody in here. So, let's go on. >> That's fine. I'm not embarrassed. I can't wait till proof. >> Okay, we'll head down. And then just so you're aware, I don't know if you ever been arrested before, when we get down to the station, you'll get searched again. That's fine. >> I usually tell people cuz when they get to the station, they're like, "Why you searching me again?" >> I guess I know how it goes. I >> I have family members that's post police officers and lawyers. >> I got family members. That's police officers and lawyers. >> Where my phone? So watch >> I have your phone. Tell me if I I'll give it to you when we get Oh, is it your head? >> No. Just fit. I see. That's why I'm like I can't >> I don't know. They're tight. But we're close to the station. When we get to the station, they'll come off. Okay. >> Here. Put your feet like There you go. That's better. I'm going to put this on you. Trying to have some air cuz I'm ask >> I'll put the windows down for you. Okay. >> In the end, Shenikica Gray was arrested and booked on two counts of theft. Do you think she learned her lesson or just felt unlucky for getting caught? Up next, we have a fraud check scammer who got caught in his own web of lies during the investigation. >> Forging checks is a pretty serious offense, buddy. >> Man, I know, man. I wouldn't do nothing like that, bro. Fake one, not wrong. Fake protest play. >> And then now you come back with a falsified cash your check. >> Tell me who my second plan is. >> So why would I do that? >> On August 11th, 2025, an Illinois man walked into a commerce bank to cash a check he claimed his landlord returned after a failed rental deal. But the teller flagged discrepancies in the paper stock and rooting numbers. When police arrived, he spun a tail about his landlord and unpaid rent. >> So what are you doing here today with this? What are you trying to do? >> My landlord gave me the check back cuz he I guess he changed his mind about letting me move in. So, I was trying to cash my check. >> Where's your landlord? >> My phone in the car. That's why I was stepping out to get my phone. >> Where you live at? >> I stay down on 601 West. Romeo here at >> the >> You don't remember talking to me? So, you're saying he gave you this check back? >> Back. >> Excuse me. I'll grab something, >> sir. I'm just trying to get my rent paid. >> Forging checks is a pretty serious offense, buddy. >> Man, I know, man. I wouldn't do nothing like that, bro. Like, >> so tell us who you got. >> Mel Alexander, >> give us give us his phone number. >> Can I get out of my car? >> Where's your car at? >> My phone is right there. All right. I know it's not ours. So, >> I don't know how to stop this paper or not. >> Well, it's you present. >> This is our paper. >> Yeah. That's not ours. >> And a different course wouldn't have a blue one. >> No. And >> this is our routing number. >> So, you saying he gave me the wrong check back? >> A fake one? Not wrong. Fake one. >> Bro, that's playing with my life, bro. Like, I won't. The man kept insisting he was only trying to pay his rent and was simply confused, but nothing about his story added up. Like, >> what's what's they saying going on? So, my money's like, >> "Well, tell me what's going on with the check because I mean, clearly you've dealt with it. You've seen the original check. What it looks like. So, what's this check?" >> I thought that was the original check. That's what I >> right now. No. >> Why? Who are you? >> That's my ride. >> Can you do me a favor? Grab his phone. Can you grab my phone, please? >> What is the check? >> Where'd you get it from? >> I got it from here and then I turned it to him and to my landlord. It was for first month and last month, right? >> You have any proof that you gave him the check and that he gave you this one back. I mean, you see, you see where we're coming from, right? I mean, you have a completely different looking check >> that you have different, sir. I see what's going on. And then now you have >> and this plan with my life >> and then with and then wait and then around the same time frame you both go and open up a bank account here >> any of that. I never knew he was doing any of that. >> He goes and cashes his cashier check. >> You get a cashier check and then now that cashier check is missing and then now you come back with a falsified cashier check. >> Tell me who my plan is. >> So why would I do that? You You get what I'm saying? >> I get what you're saying, but did you Why would I come in here with with and do that? >> Grab his number. >> I can't tell you right now. If you want, you can go sit down in the church. >> Just wait. Just wait. >> Oh my god. >> Say he's your landlord. So >> you should he would have been >> but I guess he changed his mind. >> So he gave me the check back. >> Okay. So how did you find the place? >> Find what place? >> The place to rent out that you wanted >> uh through a friend. It was on Por Street. >> Okay. So what's the address? >> Uh >> as questioning continued, officers spotted more inconsistencies. The man couldn't give clear details about his landlord, the property address, or his rental history, making it clear what was actually going on. >> He's saying he's saying >> So, what's what's the address for the place? >> 1210, I think, street. >> Okay. So, what was this original RB Garrett Street that you just gave us? >> That's uh what I was moving out of. >> Well, we asked you the place that you were trying to move into and then you gave us that >> no >> RB Garrett address. >> That's where I stay now. >> So, which address is because you're giving us two different answers now. I stay in this uh RB G. >> That's where I'm at now. And where I was moving to was on the P Street. So I bro, this is wild. So ain't nothing I could do. >> So you're saying the address is >> 1210 Street, I believe. So I'm not sure my paperwork at the house. >> Okay. Well, if this is a house you're supposed to be moving into, I mean, you got to have something of paperwork. You got, you know, maybe you should know the address because you're trying to move into it. >> It's 12. >> Well, it can't be 12 Tempori Street. That's right off Pennsylvania. And Pennsylvania is right in front of the hospital and there's nothing but work buildings around there. There's no apartments. There's no right house. Can >> I talk to the manager, please? >> What manager? What for? and >> you just went and talked to her. She called us >> cuz I just wanted to see what's going on. Like what she's saying that >> you brought in a fraudulent check. >> Okay. Why would I do that? >> Well, it can't be 1210 North Poria cuz that that address doesn't even exist. So, what's the address of this place? Cuz you don't have the landlord's number. You don't have any of his information. You don't have the house that you're trying to use this money for or apartment. So basically saying like I just got played. >> What I'm saying is is you made a fraudulent check and you brought it in trying to get money. >> You should have his information. If you're not if you're not the one that brought in this fraudulent check or >> gave me the wrong information. >> Okay. What do you mean gave you the wrong information? >> He gave me wrong address, wrong phone number. Like I see what's going on now. I I definitely see what's going >> There's nothing about the wrong address, wrong phone number. It's about you brought in a fraudulent check. >> Oh, no. I see respond. >> And that's what I'm saying. Where'd you get the check from? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, if he's the one that gave you a fraudulent check, what's his phone number? Where's his address? What's the address of the place you're trying you were trying to get into? >> That's the That's the address I got. >> So, have you went out and seen this place? >> No, sir. I see what's going on. She just said he made an account here. Like I just got played. That's basically what just happened. >> The suspect's story fell apart as the officers consulted their supervisor and fraud detectives. They finally gathered the crucial evidence needed to close the case. >> You're a suspect to this. So I need you to give me this guy's information if you didn't do anything. >> You have text messages with this person. >> Something with social media. all phone calls and you only met him one time. >> Okay. Well, you said you knew you got the information on this place that's for rent through a friend. So, who's this friend? >> They say told me about a slum landlord. Slum landlord. >> Okay. So, who's the friend that told you about it? Information second. Who you calling? >> I'm a ride outside. >> Well, don't worry about calling them. >> I'm trying to get the paperwork. >> No, don't worry about that. We can get to that point. >> They just played me fake. I know. They just played me. >> Clearly fake. >> Yeah. I talked to an invest corporate investigation supervisor. >> Mhm. >> They deal with this all the time. >> Yeah. >> They make a fake check, try to get cash. >> Yeah. >> So, >> I just don't know what to do with him. Well, I mean, as of right now, we have a frauds unit, I want to say. [Music] So, give me uh I'm going to call Sergeant. >> See, cuz this is the first one. Sit down. You listen. You haven't been able to give me a person, phone number, the correct address, proof of anything with any of this. It's like you haven't been able to give me anything of what you're saying and you're beating around the bush scrolling around your phone, not even looking at anything that's >> related to it. >> You just started giving me a number. This whole time you scrolled at least three pages on your phone call log trying to give me a phone number and you haven't been able to this whole time. >> With the forged signature exposed and the evidence confirmed by bank supervisors, officers had only one thing left to do >> right now. Stand up. Okay. >> You got anything else inside your pockets? >> No, sir. >> Okay. Here. Let me see your phone. >> Take the phone. What? >> Just going turn around. >> Turn around. >> We're just We're detaining you for right now. We're going to do this out of the public, okay? We're going to handle this privately so we're not in everyone's business for now. >> Right now, I'm just detained. We're going to figure everything else out. I just want to get us out of here. Okay. Here. Just take a seat. >> Sir, can you please >> just just wait a second? All right. Watch your knee. >> Listen. Hey, this is this is what I'm going to do. >> Okay. I'm going to send you out for what I can for what I have on it. Just listen. Okay. I'm going to contact Tazwell County and let me let me explain the reason on why this might actually it's not nothing this is going to help, but it might quote unquote help. Okay? Just bear with me. I'm going to send you for what I have for just this. Okay? After that, Tazwell County, if they if they confirm this warrant, they'll go out to Tazwell for whatever that warrant is. That'll give myself and our detectives enough time to follow up with hopefully and figure out if it was him involved or you and him or get more information on top of it. That way, if you are clear-cut free, the charges and everything can be dropped. Right now, there's nothing on my side that I can do. Okay? I've already talked to the detectives. They want you to go out. Okay? We have enough probable cause off of it to get to make an arrest. Okay? Instead of giving you a notice to appear, they want you to go out to county today. Okay? I I can't. That's Listen, the second I call detectives because this is their portion of it because I have enough on my side. I've done the detective work before they can get here. They have enough on our side that they said they want the arrest to be made. >> The scammer was ultimately arrested for deceptive practices and forgery. This scammer got outsmarted by the cops. But in the next case, officers had a tougher time negotiating through the lies of a couple of fraud check scammers, Xavier and his girlfriend Janelle. >> Know him? >> Yeah, I know him, but I'm not with >> And when you say bleeding it, like >> he's like been spending all the money. >> Okay. >> I mean, you're a police officer. >> Well, I'm not a medical student. >> You should be You're supposed to be protecting the community, right? >> On November 7th, 2022, police were called to a Chase bank over a suspected fraud. Officers approached Xavier and his girlfriend Janelle after staff reported he'd deposited a $24,000 check. Quickly withdrawn $3,000 and then returned to withdraw $8,000 more. >> Hey partner, can I talk to you over here? Can >> you have a seat for me? >> You have your ID on you? >> Oh, they got my name. >> They do. Okay. What's your name? >> Xavier. >> Xavier. Okay. And 27. I'm 102 inside. And they haven't >> I don't know if there's a problem at the counter or whatever, but >> you here with anybody else? >> No, not with me. I'm here with my girl. >> Okay. All right. You have an account here? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Just hang tight, man. We'll figure it out. Okay. >> I just want to know what's going on. >> Okay. Just hang tight. >> That's my girlfriend. >> Are you going to the restaurant? >> You have a seat. Just have a seat. >> Yeah. I was saying when anybody else gets 10:12, we can cancel, but just keep it up for now. >> I'm sorry. Um, she wants to go to a restaurant. Is that okay? >> Can you have a seat for me? >> Have a seat there. Let me know. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Do you have his ID? Do you have his ID on the guy? >> The guy working on it. Do you need it? >> I will. >> Okay. Thank you, officer. >> Hi. >> Can you say 10? I'm going to get his ID really quick. Can I go be >> Mike? 309581373. >> Ma'am, do you have your ID on you? >> No. >> You don't have any ID on you? >> I don't have no account. >> What's your name? >> Janelle. >> Janelle? What? >> It's not in your wallet. >> Why? Why does that have anything to do with me? >> I'm just asking. You guys are together. So, you have an account here? >> I'm not together with anybody. I just thought he just walked in. You watched me walk in. >> You know him? Yeah, I know him, but I'm not with him. >> I was just supposed to go in to go to my to the hospital. >> That's all I know. >> So, why'd you come here? >> Cuz I supposed to meet up with him here. >> Oh, so you hospital >> now? I didn't I had nothing to do with >> Thank employees laid out the red flags to the officer who was determined to get to the bottom of the scheme. >> Hi. >> All right. So, what's going on? So, this here, this is his profile. This is the account. This is a check he deposited. And he just took $3,000 around that out with my teller. Leaves, comes back in, tries to now take $8,000 out. When my teller goes through the transaction history, you'll see all the withdrawals from that $25, $25,000 that he's cashing out on. And it's all different branches. So by the time he came back for the second round, my bankers put my back office put a prohibited status on the debit card cuz it drew a red flag to my back office. >> So they froze the card. So now he went to go insert the card again and take out the 8,000. My teller is like this card we use embossed cards. We don't have cards like this. >> So then we're like I call my back office. >> Okay. So sorry, this card >> ours are embossed. So like the the letters are the numbers are raised. >> Isn't this one raised? >> No, this is embedded. It's not embossed where it sticks out like a braille. Do you know what I'm saying? Yeah. >> Yeah. I could show you mine. Come over here. So, there's your car. So, those aren't our cars. Like, you don't use cars like that. >> No worries. >> Here. Do you have a change? Here. That's our cards. Sorry, mine got run over by a car, but >> So, those are our cards. >> Okay. So, he just took out money for my tail and came back to try to do it again. Um, and then I called the business owners up and because we have accounts with us and I said, "They're in Ohio." >> Yeah. And I said, "Hey, this person's here trying to they deposited a $24,000 check. Can you verify and make sure that that's there?" She goes, "No, we've been at the bank all day." She's like, "I been fought D." So, I spoke with the owner. Um, so she's never authorized anything. >> All right. So, >> sorry about my card. >> When was this check deposited? >> And who was deposited and how was it deposited into his account? >> Okay. The same ID that matches and they just restricted everything for me. >> Okay. >> So, it was deposited on what's today? >> Sunday. Today's what? Monday the 76th on Saturday. >> It was deposited on Saturday. >> Sad. Hold on. It's even showing uh no prior ATM deposit on the 414 >> and then he's been bleeding. >> So >> he's been taking out all of it. >> So where can you put me out the deposit for this >> for? Yeah, it's a ATL deposit. >> Okay. And when you say bleeding it like >> he's like been spending all the money >> with the bank employees providing ample evidence of fraud. Xavier and Janelle scrambled to justify their presence. So then he came back today and took out >> and took out 3,900 of my money that he's got in his possession. >> And then he left. >> Okay. >> Cash. Yep. And then he left. Came back again and was like, "Oh, that worked. Let me try 8,000 now." And he gave my teller some story like he's going away. He need more cash. It's over here cuz you're only seeing the front part. I'm going to help you. >> Okay. >> So, um, he tried 8,000. But by that time, my back office too restricted the account, the card. And then that's when my teller, so let me see the card. And he goes, "Boss, this is not like our cards." So I'm like, So when I call my back office, I'm like, "We're not doing like embedded cards yet." >> How much time? What was the first When was $3,000? What time? >> Uh 3,000. It says 10:49. >> And then you just came back now. >> Came back again. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Do me a favor. Just stay off that phone number right now while we're investigation. >> Just stay off the phone right now. You're in the middle of an investigation right now. Okay. I didn't answer. >> This is not okay for her. >> Well, I'm sure you were texting her and told her that we were here. >> No, I called her and then I texted her saying, "Collection." >> So that's why she's cal. >> Yeah, that's stressing her out. She's going through breast cancer and living cancers for her first time and I'm the only child and stress is not good for a teen patient. Correct. >> I don't know. >> I mean, you're a police officer. >> Well, I'm not a medical student. >> You should be You're supposed to be protecting the community, right? My mom, but you are protecting. You're not free to leave. You're not going to be talking on the phone right now. You're in middle of investigation. If you want to make this more difficult for yourself, by all means, >> you completely dictate which way this goes. >> So, that is 100% up to you. >> Already lied twice. >> I lied. >> You said you weren't with him. >> I didn't come here with him. That's what the question was. >> But you're here with him. You know him. >> I came to meet up. >> He called you babe. >> Then you said you didn't have a wallet or a purse. This is not a purse. This is not even a wallet. >> I'm sure your ID is in there. >> And I'm sure your ID is in there. >> Is your ID in there? >> My medical card's in there, sir. I already gave it to him. >> Is your ID in there? >> I don't have one. >> Okay. >> So, what are you saying? >> I'm not going to get nowhere. >> I know I'm not. It's like talking to a law. >> Janelle tried to shift the focus of the conversation by bringing up her mother's illness, but police stayed focused on the financial scheme. >> Hey, you got a warrant for some sort of failure to deliver uh return funds? It's out of P County. So your bond is 1,000 bucks. So I'm going to put you in a car and then we'll talk about what's going on. Okay. >> All right. >> My bones. So it's going to be $100. >> I'm going to come back and talk to you. Okay. >> Tell you what's going on. >> But is that true? >> If he goes to you% tell your mom I can be on my phone. >> If you get this done if you get this done now for him to come back >> sometime today. All right. >> You want me to have your phone? [Music] >> You got anything going on in P County? >> No. The last county I was on. I made I signed my I went to court and I signed my for I didn't sign my I sign my probation release and they didn't give me a 4 day after that. Okay. Can you stay for a couple minutes? >> Yeah. >> All right. Boyfriend >> we just met each other. Yeah. >> So, you just met him, but your address is the same. >> Are you living with him? >> Yeah, I just No. Um Okay. So, I only know of him because his brother is my friend. So, um when he got out of jail, he needed a new address cuz his ex-girlfriend didn't want to give him back his uh birth certificate and social security number. What's your phone number? >> And for him to get a job, I just let him be my address. What's What's uh >> Were you here early today? >> Okay. Why did you Why did you meet up here? >> Um I was just coming to come here to go to meet up with him so that me and him can go together together to see my mom in the hospital. [Music] Yeah. >> So when you see me when you see me when you were talking that was my first time ever walking in here. >> That was your first time walking in here? >> Yeah. >> So where are you guys going to go after this? >> I was going to go see. My mom's at on seven on the seventh room in the fifth floor right now. >> With him? >> I was going to go with him. Yeah. >> Okay. How you guys going to get [Music] >> All right. Um, did he tell you what he was doing or anything? >> No, I didn't know why he was a I didn't even know he had a chase. >> No, he had a baby chasing anything. I I don't know. None of that stuff. >> All right, give me a couple minutes. All right. >> Janelle was released without charges. Xavier, however, was placed under arrest for uttering a forged check, defrauding a financial institution, and grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. If you thought this was wild, wait till you see the next case where cops exposed an entire fraud ring over $38,000 fraudulent check. >> No, I was sending my um my company my my friend's company um money. >> Who's your friend? >> No, I'm not nervous. I just don't understand what's going on. >> So, if you weren't doing anything wrong, why would you just walk away from the transactions? >> Where do you live again? >> Um I forgot. You forgot your address? >> Yeah, I'm [ __ ] I'ming devastated right now. I'm I'm sorry. I >> on March 31st, 2023, officers reached a bank after a suspect attempted to withdraw $38,000 with a fraudulent check. The suspect immediately denied any wrongdoing, but her answers raised some concerns. >> All right, hold on. Give me a second. Stay right there real quick. I'm asking you to step over. >> What's going on? Why are we going to go up? Because of you. >> We stuck in there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't know. I was trying to make a withdrawal >> with a fraud in check. >> No. >> You sure? >> Yeah. I don't I Why would I do a fortune check? I don't have a check. >> What were you trying to do >> to um um get >> We were called down here because of you. Okay. >> Okay. But I didn't do anything. >> Okay. What are you trying to do then? Why are you walking away? >> Because they were giving he was giving it's telling me it's a fake ID. You can't have a fake ID. All right. Stay right there. >> That's not a fake ID. >> This is not a fake. >> Let me see. I don't no I that's >> what would not >> police pressed the suspect for details about the transaction the business and the friend supposedly linked to the funds but her denials and evasive answers only deepened their suspicions >> I don't see why you would leave your license behind >> yeah why would you walk away >> and why are you so nervous about us being here >> no I'm not nervous I just don't understand what's going on I really don't >> saying you're trying to do at a fraudulent transaction $38,000 Sorry. >> Yeah, it was being sent to Robin or Anderson. >> So, you're extremely nervous. Okay. We're going to explain everything right now. Okay. He's going to talk to the manager. >> Yeah. >> So, so couple things. You just up and walked away from a line. Okay. Leaving your license behind, leaving a signature piece of paper that says a withdrawal behind. Right. There's multiple things leading up to why they believe it might be a fraudulent activity. >> Okay. But it wasn't fraudulent. when I went up there and I was talking to the guy. >> Yeah. Well, they called us for a reason. We just don't come here, right, and say, "Hey, you know what I mean?" So, >> a couple of things. Business is uh hair salon, right? >> That business hair salon. My business is educational innovation. >> Okay. >> And that's what I was taking out of my business account to um send it to my um >> How long have you been in Why Why are you here in in in South Windsor though from Reading? My friend drove me here. This is >> Who's your friend? Where's Where are they? >> I don't know where they're He's somewhere. I don't know. >> Okay. >> But I didn't. >> But you see how things don't make sense though. You know, when things don't make sense, it's because something is either wrong or it's a lie, you know, or there's something else that you're not telling me. >> Okay. And >> I don't, you know, like to kind of beat around the bush. I just want you to be very straightforward with me. Is there something legitimate with this transaction or is there somebody behind this transaction? It's >> Is there somebody else trying to make you make this transaction? Is is are are you the business owner? Are you not the business owner? Just be honest. I mean, honesty goes a long way, please. Okay. It's not my first day on the job. I have multiple people here, you know. Um so, I would appreciate your your honesty. Okay. And and like I said, it'll go a long way. So, are you the business owner to this business with you? >> No, I don't know where my wallet is. >> All right. As a matter of fact, >> officers grew increasingly concerned as her story clashed with the evidence, suggesting the check was part of a larger fraud scheme. >> I mean, we don't have a picture behind the person, so anybody could have this OP number. You know, I can go to the car real quick and just double check that that's the picture with DMV. >> Yeah, >> cuz all I have is a credit card from American Express. All right. So, who is who is the account owner for this? Okay. What is the business? >> It's a educational innovation. >> Okay. When was it open? >> 3 years ago. >> Okay. A month and a year. Do you have any of that? >> When it was open? >> Yeah. >> No. >> Okay. Do you have any other paperwork that says different? >> No, I have um my bank statement. >> Okay. Amy, why are you so nervous? >> Why are you so nervous? >> Because I've never had police come up to me before. >> Why did you walk away from Why did you walk away from the um the counter without your ID again? >> I thought they gave it back to me because he he did everything else for me. >> So if you handed it back? >> Yeah. So if you weren't doing anything wrong, why would you just walk away from a transaction? All right. Well, let's figure out Oh, you want to use the bathroom? Okay, you can hold on to these. >> Okay, >> we'll give it a second. All right, you're still being detained at the moment for investigation. >> Okay. >> Where do you live again? >> Um, I forgot. >> You forgot your address? >> Yeah, I'm devastated right now. I don't I don't know which 44 woods really load. >> Who was the person that brought you again? Who was the person that brought you here? >> My friend. >> Okay. What's your friend's name? >> John. >> John? Where's John? What car does he drive? >> I don't know. I don't know. What car is he in? >> Okay. >> He drove me here from where I was. We were cruising around. We were going shopping and stuff like that. So, I dropped on by at this bank. >> Mhm. >> Because it was closer to where we were. >> Okay. Okay. All right. Like I said, they're going to tie some things together and puzzle the puzzle pieces together and we'll figure it out from there. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. You're welcome. >> The suspect struggled to wrigle free, but the officers were closing in on the actual truth as the grilling intensified. >> So, John, you don't know what kind of car he was driving? >> I'm not really I don't drive, so I'm not really familiar with cars. Okay. He dropped you off or he still waiting? >> No, he's not waiting. Dropped me off. >> He dropped you off and left. >> Kind of weird. >> I don't I don't see his car out there. It would be in the parking lot, but it's not. >> You think he left because the police tie here? I mean, was he a taller gentleman, a medium, short gentleman? Bald out here? >> Yeah. From >> No, absolutely not. She didn't even know where she lived. She didn't know her address for a second. >> 44 Wood Road. >> What's the zip code at Wood in Wood Road? >> 069 86. >> Nope. >> Okay. Well, >> what's your date of birth? >> Fine. >> Mhm. >> I was born in ' 61. >> Okay. I'm asking for your date of birth, not the year. You don't know your birthday either. Okay. >> Stop. The picture doesn't match. >> I know. I'm I'm sorry. >> I didn't get any money. Hi. Please, please arrest me. Please, please never come back here again. I promise. >> Well, I think that's that's a given. But you >> I know. >> Is somebody outside waiting for you? >> Keep your hands out of your pocket, please. >> I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. >> Yep. Just put your things down. Okay. One thing at a time. Who is Who brought you here? >> My friend John. >> Who's John? But he's not here. I don't see him there no more. >> Probably took off and left you. >> Is he the one that put you up today or >> So you Where do you live? I >> mean, I'm from New York. >> Yeah. >> And he brought me here. >> Mhm. 1439 custody. >> All right. Well, this is a big deal, okay? But I'm not going to ask you any other questions until we get you to the PD, okay? And read your rights and all that. I'm going to um walk you out to the cruiser. Okay. >> What's going to happen to me when I go to the >> PD? I got to figure out You don't have a positive identification on you. Do you have anything else on you that has >> No, because um it's in the car. >> It's in the car. Okay. You're going to have to call John and if you see him. I don't think >> Well, I could you could call my niece and see she knows who I am. >> Okay. Where are you from? New York. >> Yes. >> Okay. We can get some sort of father photo identification from you from >> That is my photo though. >> That is your photo on Yeah, that's fine. Yeah, but like I said, it looks copy pasted. >> Oh, like I got um a picture ID in my phone because I needed to send things to him. Okay. All right. Police confirmed the suspect's identity and took her into custody for a thorough investigation. Under mounting pressure, the nervous and overwhelmed suspect finally confessed. >> Where else did you try to do this? >> He sent me to one other bank, but um >> that was today. >> I just I didn't do anything. I left out. I walked out. >> Okay. >> Because I it didn't feel right. So, I left. >> So, you never went up to a teller at that bank? >> I did go to a teller. I asked for just the bank statements and then she went in to look to the I guess the bank manager. So I just left. >> And that was using this ID or a different ID? >> No, somebody else like he gives me different IDs >> and he holds on to these things or you you don't have the other IDs in your purse or >> No. No. Didn't steal anything. >> Or do they apply for credit cards or >> They handed me that stuff. They handed me that. That's what they gave me. They come from Florida. And then and then and but I know where he he I don't know where exactly where he lays his head like when he's in New York, but I know he's in Brooklyn. He they came and picked me up in the Bronx. >> Well, so this started in New York today. Today you got picked up in New York, >> right? And came here to do this. >> Yeah. But um I would never think to go to Connecticut cuz of the laws. Like I know the laws in New York, you know, cuz I have been I've been in jail before. I'm not going to say it. And I've been I did prison time for selling drugs that I was using. No, they do this. They get all this [ __ ] I think in Miami. He called me and he was like, "Yo, whatever, whatever." And I said, "All right." But obviously they didn't know what they were doing. I don't know how they do it, but they get all the information on these people out of their account. When I first did it, I had the person's every single account they had, how much money was in each account. I had social security addresses. I had emails. I had everything. phone numbers, you name it, I had it. You know, because they were dealing with somebody in Miami and the guy that was doing all this [ __ ] he had somebody working in the Sun Trust Bank and that's where all the information was coming. >> So, what's this guy's name? And you going to give us this guy's name? >> His real name? >> Yeah, [Music] >> his name is Brian. I'm think Macintosh. Yeah, Macintosh because that was his name the last time I got busted. >> The truth finally spilled out when she realized she was cornered, exposing the full details of how the scheme operated. >> And now the other two guys, I don't know them at all. I really don't. They have they do other things, but I don't know what they do. Like he was telling me something like he when he goes the other dude, I don't know his name. He said that um when he gets all the information when he goes in, he uses an invoice. So he already has all the information so they don't have to question anything, you know, like when he like to get a cashier's check or whatever. Like he doesn't have to give him certain information because he has an invoice with whatever and all they have to do is do the check and that's it. >> $100,000 bail >> could have been a lot higher, just so you know. >> But I can't Why is I can't do 10% cuz I don't live here. >> Yeah. So your best bet is waiting until Monday. We give you food. We give you juice. We give you a phone call. Okay. I'm gonna be very honest with you. Like I said,000. It wasn't even that much in North Carolina. I don't even have my medication. I'm on mental medication. I don't even have any on me. >> How am I going to sleep? >> Oh my god. What the And I hate this dude. >> He's got my wallet, man. He's got all my I got to get all those. How am I going to get back to New York? >> This is what he said. I'm out. I'm come on my way. He came. There was two dude other dudes in the car. I' never seen them. Don't even know their names. Um he said, "We're going to Connecticut." I said, "Okay." They won a $100,000 bath. I didn't even get nothing. Nothing. How am I going to get home? you know, >> I'm so stupid. I'm so stupid. And look at where I'm sitting. >> They clearly know what they're doing and what they're about because they know exactly how to, you know, send them with what and what not to send. You know, you got your your real wallet inside the car, you know. Did you do that on purpose or did he tell you to leave it in there? >> No, it fell. As a matter of fact, I was going through my bag and it fell out. >> Yeah. >> So, I when they pulled over, I just got out, you know. >> Did he drop you off right at the door? >> No. No, he had you walk from over there over. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's crazy how they set up such a masterminds. I mean, I I just don't know how you get all that information. >> The suspect was charged with uttering a forged check or forged instrument, attempted bank fraud, and use of a fraudulent ID. Next up is a shocking case where cops caught an unsuspecting scammer who thought he could fool the authorities and uncovered a massive $243,000 check fraud. >> What is What is I'm getting a change for? I don't what what is my probable cause of getting searched? >> This is very interesting. >> On March 15th, 2024, deputies with the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department were called to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport after a man was caught using a suspicious ID. He fled from security, but didn't get far before police tracked him down. >> Deputy Kelly, I was just coming to talk to you about that uh incident with your ID. >> Mhm. >> I'm just trying to figure out what's going on with that. >> Okay. Uh, I had gave it to my brother who's right here. >> Here, you can say sitting. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Your brother's here. You can sit down. >> Mhm. >> All right. >> Uh, do you have your You gave your brother your ID. >> Yo. >> All right. Your Where's your brother at? >> All right. You don't have to go through any of this. What is What is your last name? You can sit down. >> Okay. >> All right. I've said multiple times. Stay seated. >> Yes. Hello. >> All right. What's your last name? My last name is P. >> What? >> Pain. >> P A Y N E. >> Y. >> All right. First name? >> Nicholas. >> N I C >> H O L S. >> O L >> S >> A S. Or just S. >> Yep. S. >> O L S. >> Y. >> All right. Middle initial, date of birth, >> 1994. 1994. And your ID is going to come out of Wisconsin? >> No, it's coming out of Tennessee. >> Tennessee? >> Yep. >> All right. >> So, you don't have your ID on you anymore? >> No. >> No idea? >> No. >> All right. >> So, we're going to bring you back there. Just uh get all your information, make sure it's correct. We'll carry this stuff for you. >> No, that ain't right there. >> True to form, the suspect's name was not Nicholas Payne. He desperately thought he could lie his way out of it, but it didn't take long for it to come back to bite him. You >> face that way. Put these on the same moment. What? What is What is I'm getting the time for me? >> Just to see make sure your ID and everything lines up. So, face that way for me. >> I'm about to see my mom. Can I see my mom? >> Will they use your phone after all this? >> This call my mama number. We'll see. >> Where you guys going to grab this? >> That's not your bag. >> This is your brother. >> No, that's that's my brother. >> This is my You give him your ID? >> No, I get I gave my brother my ID. >> I No, no, no. ID. The officers didn't know it at the time, but it was later discovered that the suspect lived in Mississippi and had an active warrant out of Louisiana. During a search of his belongings, they found 155 stolen and forged checks inside a backpack, each under different names. In other words, this wasn't just your average scammer. >> We're just because you snagged an ID at a federal checkpoint. >> So, we're just going to confirm who you are and see how >> why what happened? What was the issue with the idea? >> I I don't I'm trying to I saw my late for my flight. So, I got to like this here. [Music] >> I can't even I'm getting on my phone. >> Uh you will eventually here. We'll go this way or something. >> I don't understand. >> Go over. That's not That's not my bag right there. >> Why were you carrying it then? You were at TSA. >> He said out of Tennessee. That's my brother bag. I told you that. He said it right there. >> Okay. But you But you had it when you were at TSA? >> No, I ain't having that bag. >> You never had that bag >> because that looks a lot to me like you having that bag. >> I didn't I told you I hold it for my brother. >> That is your name? >> Yeah. Out of Tennessee. Cuz otherwise we're going to have to bring you downtown to get you identified. So I'm saying, you know, I mean, it's easier if you just tell me. >> I just gave you my name. >> So why why do you give your ID to your to your brother? >> Like what was why do you give the ID to your brother? >> He said, why? Cuz he cuz he asked for it. >> He asked you for your ID for what? >> Yep. >> Like for what reason? >> He said he about to go to TSA and see why they want to let me check in. He hold my bag real quick. Got you bad. [Music] >> So, what was that guy was? Who to you? The one that we saw in there. >> You say who? >> The guy that we saw in there when we were walking out. What is he to you? >> That's my cousin. I told you that. So you went that ID that he presented his >> he he said uh he gave it to his brother and his brother left for that. >> Okay. >> So I'm going to search you real quick. >> I don't what what is my probable cause of getting searched? >> You're in custody, sir. To be honest, you're going to go to jail for ID and interfering with screening procedures. You can't present false. >> So I'm going to have you stand out face this way. Oh, like I said, dude, it's easier if you just tell us your name. You know what I mean? [Applause] >> All right, that's your real name. >> While one officer proceeded with the arrest, another searched the suspect's bag and made a shocking discovery. >> What is my problem with how I searched? >> You're in custody, to be honest. You're going to go to jail for misappropriation. >> I said your name. >> This is interesting. >> This is very interesting. So what was the idea? I can find the idea on you where >> this is very interesting. >> Hey, can one of you guys take down his actual name? >> Callie. >> Yeah. >> Stand by. >> Yeah. Give me one second. >> Okay. >> Give me one second. >> The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office later reported that 155 stolen and forged checks had been written, totaling more than $243,000. The suspect, later identified as Damarte, had allegedly cashed 13 of those checks, amounting to nearly $92,000. I don't I don't know what she's doing. >> And I don't know why she can't handle her supervisory duties while we do this. That's why we have deputies. I'm just saying. >> Yep. Exactly. Yep. >> That's a good plan. >> Hold off on the summaries right now. >> Dearte was sentenced to 15 years in prison, 22 years of extended supervision, and 38 years of probation. His probation terms included completing 200 hours of community service, finishing a cognitive thinking course, obtaining an associates degree or an apprenticeship, working a minimum of 25 hours per week, and meeting several other conditions. The other individual, Demart's cousin, was later released after questioning. Moving on to this scammer who was caught red-handed by the cops while she was attempting a bank fraud. >> Know exactly what? >> Yeah, I told once the unit comes here, I'll let you know. Why are you laughing? >> Cuz that's weird. So, we can be truthful about what's going on or we can continue to lie about it. And I got a notate that you continue to lie to me about it. >> On May 9th, 2024, officers were dispatched to a bank for a fraud in progress. >> Hello. Hi, >> Orlando police. So, right now, you're temporary being detained. Okay. So, I'll let you know what's going on, but if you could just walk over here with me. >> Just sit down for me. >> Sit down. Yeah, you're fine. Did you come in a car or No, >> I didn't. >> You did? >> I didn't. I took a Uber. >> You took a Uber with them. >> I'll spray any of the raw trucks for me to turn. [Music] >> Can I know what is going on? >> I I could only tell you once another unit gets here. the bank called. So >> do you have an ID with you? [Music] >> I don't know exactly what's going on. >> Yeah, I told once the unit comes here I'll let you know. So right now I'm going to have to put you in separately in handcuffs. All right. So just put your hands behind your back. You're not under arrest or anything. Okay. >> Right now I just have to temporarily detain you. You want to lean forward and you could just use anything. >> So, you don't live in Florida? >> No. >> Are you visiting or? >> Yeah, >> I'm visiting. >> Visiting? You say you're dropped off by an Uber? >> Mhm. >> Did your Uber leave already or >> They left already. >> They left. Do you know what car they came in? Um, it was like a black car, but I don't remember the name any the type of car. >> I'm sorry. What is wrong? >> Yeah, like I said, we got a call from the bank, so I I'm not really sure what's going on. Obviously, I'm the only one here, so I still need somebody to go over there, talk to the bank teller, and I could get some answers for you. But obviously, I can't tell you what's going on if we still haven't talked to the bank teller. So, I just got to get another unit over here, and once we do that, we'll try to see what's going on. Okay. Metro West Boulevard at Edition Financial. >> Why are you laughing? >> Cuz that's weird. >> Why is it weird? >> Did the teller call the call you guys? >> Mhm. >> For what? >> At first, she acted like it was no big deal. But when backup arrived, the bank teller broke down exactly what had happened. >> Tell me what happened today. >> She came in wanting access to the account. And when >> to this account here? >> Yes. And anytime we pull up an account, if there's warnings or anything on, like it immediately starts flashing at us. And I and my teller needed overrides to get in. And once we started reading the notes, it says, "Please call y'all." Um that she's committed identity theft. She's tried to open multiple accounts with different IEDs. That's just an example of one of the other ones that she >> But that was stuff that's already been done. What did she do today? >> Trying to get into this fraudulent account. >> She just tried to get in this account. >> Mhm. >> Right now. So, this an active account? >> No, it's locked up completely. Yeah. And then she's presented that ID on the back there. >> I opened another account with that ID. >> The 1982 dude >> where you at? >> Yeah. So, she was just trying to get access to money today. >> Yes. >> I think we got enough unit. >> So, keep changing. First, she's like, I need my online banking. I need to take money out. Now, I need to put money in. She kept saying like all these different things. Um, but I couldn't do any of it. >> Yeah. So, okay. >> 43 to 40. Um, it appears she came up here and tried to take money out of an account that has already been flagged for frozen stuff. She has a different ID on the back. >> You do me a favor. Get her started on the statement. >> Okay. Okay. >> Soon after, an officer stepped outside to question the suspect sitting in the back of a cruiser. She seemed to realize her actions could cost her years of freedom, but still tried spinning a twisted version of events. >> Okay. Have you ever been read your rice before? >> She read my rice. A young lady read my rice. >> She did? >> Mhm. >> Okay. She's not here. I don't know if she did or she didn't. I'm just going to read you them just to verify that I know that they've been read to you. >> Okay. >> Okay. Other than today, have they ever been read to you before in the past? >> No. Okay. Uh, so if you have any questions, just ask me. All right. >> Okay. >> You have the right to remain silent. Do you understand? >> Mhm. >> Anything you say may be used against you in court. Do you understand? >> You have the right to talk to a lawyer before and during questioning. Do you understand? >> I just say yes. If you cannot afford a law and want one, one will be provided for you before questioning without charge. Do you understand? Do you want me to move your hair to the side for you? >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Is it all over? >> How How long is this going to take? Uh I let me get through this and then we can keep going. All right. Has anyone threatened you or promised you anything to get you to talk to me? >> No. >> No. Okay. Can we talk about what's going on? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um so before I got here, what what have they told you? What have they talked to you about? What do you know? >> I don't know. All of I went to the bank. >> Okay. >> Trying to see if I could deposit some money onto my debit card and I come outside. And they well, first off, the lady took too long to even open back my account cuz >> I've been calling the bank to see what was going on with my bank. >> Okay. >> Came up here to try and talk to them about my bank and they said, "Oh, I got to wait 5 minutes," which is like weird to me. So now I >> decided I had to go. I want to use the bathroom or whatever. >> Mhm. >> Now I need to pee. But now, um, they're telling me that how as I come outside, this young lady didn't then proceed to tell me I'm going to be detained. >> And I still don't know what's going on. >> You said young lady, an officer. Yes. Okay. So, at this point, when you come outside, you're not dealing with the bank anymore. You come outside and there's an officer outside >> and she detains you. >> Yeah. >> Okay. What happens after that? >> After that, I don't know. Like, she All she's telling me, she don't know what's going on. She didn't tell me exactly what's going on. >> I'm just new to this this situation. >> Okay. How long have you been banking with Addition Financial? >> Um, I started banking with them about the beginning of this year. >> Yeah. So, like early like January this year, maybe late of like maybe December of last year or for sure it was 2024 or you're not too sure? >> I think it was December >> ending of December. >> Okay. The officer pressed harder, asking pointed questions and countering her story with undeniable evidence. >> If How much do you know what the account balance is right now on the account? How much you got in the account? >> I can move it to the software. >> Uh about $25 right now. >> $25. >> Yeah. >> In total, how much have you put in and out of that account? Do you know? >> No, I haven't put in anything since the debit card has been Well, since the account has been acting up anything on that account. >> Okay. Uh, have you tried to open an account at Addition Financial anywhere else? >> No. >> No. Okay. Um, do you recognize that ID? [Music] >> No. >> With your photo on it? >> No. >> You don't recognize that? So, according to Auditions Financial, they said you've tried to open another account with that same ID with your photo on it with a different ID, different name. You know anything about that? I mean, it's here, you know, the same photo as that photo, right? And which is why we're here, right? Now, if I told you that I talked to Miss Jess on the phone before coming in and talking to you, would you believe me? >> Or do you think I'd be lying to you? >> I don't know. >> What do you think? I've been truthful with you this whole time. I don't think you've been very truthful with me. Okay. So, we can be truthful about what's going on or we can continue to lie about it and I got to notate that you continue to lie to me about it. They called me out here to speak to you for a reason. Okay? I dealt with cases like this plenty. I've been doing this for a couple years, investigating just this kind of stuff alone. The woman was charged with fraudulent use of personal identification, unauthorized possession of a fictitious Florida driver's license, fraud by impersonation with intent, and unlawful possession of four or fewer identifications.