I'm doing you a favor, sir. You are not under arrest, you're just being detained right now till we figure out what's going on here, okay? All right, then. >> Okay, I have in my purse >> Okay. >> No problem. >> Is it in a sealed prescription container? >> These scammers seem convinced they'll keep getting away with it, but every streak eventually comes to an end. These scammers try to outplay smart officers and get outsmarted fast. This scammer didn't realize the employee was buying time. Police were called to a bank on January 6th, 2025 after employees reported a woman allegedly attempting to cash a suspicious check. Here's what officers encountered when they arrived. >> Ma'am, is something going on with you? Do you know what's going on? Huh? They said something about you. >> Huh? You called us? Is this her? >> I did what? >> Is this her? >> I did what? Put your phone down. >> Why? >> Cuz they're saying something's going on with the check, so >> Huh? >> They said something's going on with the check, we're not sure, but you're being detained right now. >> That's what they gave me that for the for the um for the um a commissary that I was sending this out to my friend. >> Okay, well, we'll figure it out. You're just being detained right now. >> Okay. >> with anyone? >> No. >> Who did you How did you get here? >> Someone dropped me off. >> Where are they? >> I said I was going to catch the bus. I don't know. >> Who dropped you off? >> My friend. >> They just left you here, huh? >> Yeah. >> Yes. Who's your friend? >> My My friend's Tiffany. >> Okay, is Tiffany who? >> Tiffany Norris. >> How do you know her? >> That's That's my phone friend. We went to school together. >> When did you get the check from? >> The um the check came through the mail. I just I didn't know whether it was it real or not. I just came to try to see was it real. I didn't I didn't know. >> Who mailed it? >> Um it came from It said it the the sheriff the BSO sheriff. They had the sheriff and everything on it. Yeah, I just got it in the mail box. That's all I want I didn't know that it was real or fake until I just seen y'all. >> And you called them? >> them about it. I'm just calling to see. >> cuz you can help us? Where is the fraudulent check? >> According to the suspect, she received the check through the mail [music] and simply wanted to verify if it was real. However, the more the officers question her, the more red flags begin to surface. >> Where does it say anything about BSO on it? >> It was on the envelope. I just came here I just came to see what it was. Yeah. I didn't know it wasn't real or fake. I didn't know that. I'm thinking that I don't got me some money came in the mail. >> They don't make any sense. >> Well, that's what they did. >> Yeah. >> I don't have no history with fraudulent checks. >> Who is it? >> Then I don't know what y'all mean cuz I don't even know what y'all asking me anyway. >> Of last year did you guys get a call about it? >> mean anyway. >> Do you have a case number? >> I don't know what the reason was. It's for a fraudulent check. >> I don't know what y'all asking me. >> It what doesn't give you the right to do what you do. >> No, I'm not doing I'm trying to I told you that I was trying to see what was going on here. >> you should have Maybe if you got a check to be a similar you should have asked them and right? >> Well, the person that gave me the check is in the car. >> Where's the car? >> The car is outside. >> Okay. >> It's the one that stopped me and he >> What does he look like? >> He's black male. Tall? No, he's short. >> Uh >> He's not too tall. >> The questioning continues and it doesn't take long before cracks begin to show in the suspect's explanation. >> He's in the Mazda right there. >> Was he with the little girl? >> Yeah. >> Who is he to you? >> He was just a guy that was riding around and asked if somebody really wanted to do something. >> He probably when he seen that patrol up he probably left you. >> No, he's sitting in the car. >> Huh? >> He's sitting in the front of the car. I said yes. When you came and asked me if I was with him I said yes. I said yes what I said yes what it is. Why would I tell you no? >> But you already lied to us. You said that you said you got dropped off and they left and you took the bus. >> I didn't want to get anybody in trouble like that. >> Yeah, supposedly. >> Outside. In in the Mazda car in the Mazda car. >> Yeah. Can't tell. Eventually the suspect admits she was expecting to receive $450 in exchange [music] for cashing the check. >> The red >> Yeah. With eight checks? >> I don't know nothing about no eight checks. >> Has he made you do this before? How many times? >> Like two times. I haven't seen him in a while. They've been They just got out of jail. >> Is this the first time you've been caught doing this? She kind of knew something was up. People don't give you checks. You know that. How old are you? >> I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. How old are you? >> 43. >> Okay, you're 43 years old. You know what's right and wrong. >> I was trying I'm in a I'm in a bind in a hole with a lot of >> What are you supposed to do? >> Get um that's how I'm trying to pay my light bill and >> Give me how much How much was this check? 600? How much are you supposed to give him? All six? >> No, I was going to I was going to get my pay my light bill. I was going to pay some >> were you supposed to give him? Tell me the 600. >> Um he he normally give me like like 450 maybe like >> He was going to give you 450? >> Yes. >> And then he would put it in your name? >> Yeah, um yes. That's what I guess that's how you do it. I don't know what all >> You're the one in here cashing it, so check's in your name, huh? >> I know. See and I told the um seven ones in the phone, too, after other ones. >> Do you always come with this AM Scott? So, why do you come Where do you go? >> Me? I stay with him six blocks. >> Okay, so why would you come all the way over here? >> That's where he brought me at. >> Oh, yeah, I see. See, that stuff doesn't make it right, you understand? He's having you cash checks in your name. >> Yeah. >> Going here, going there, going there. >> And then I owe him I owe him I owe him money, too. >> How do you owe him money? >> Um just got in a hole with him with a lot of stuff. >> Like what? Do What do you do? Huh? Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> As officers suspected, the woman's involvement appears to go beyond simply making a [music] quick cash. >> How much money you owe him? >> 200, 280. >> How much did you How much did he pay you to do that? How much? >> Um once 120 cuz I owe him. And he's going to keep the rest. >> So, you cash your check >> Mhm. >> and he keeps all the money and zero money so he keeps all the money and get nothing. We're just trying to get out of the hole. So then you How much you you owed him 200? So you said he's 120 so you're still 80 in the hole, right? And you know there's something wrong cuz you're sitting there saying that you got the check in the mail. You're telling us that you didn't tell us your name. Cuz when we called your name you said no. Said you got the check in the mail. You said you were in here you said you were trying to see if it's even real. But we get a check in the mail we're going to say is it real? I'm sure if he's still out there we talked to him. He's What is he going to What do you think he's going to tell us if he's even still out there? I don't know if he told me to drive her up here. >> No. No, I didn't. >> You think he's going to What do you think he's going to >> He's going to lie about it. Yeah, he's going to lie because he just wanted public assistance cash moments. >> So he did >> Yeah, just now. >> How did you know? >> Cuz he went that way and I went this way. We had We had the same thing. >> Oh, he went to public assistance cash moments? >> Another woman allegedly tied to the scheme soon walks inside the bank and she quickly realizes things are not going according to plan. >> What what happened here? What what what happened? >> Turn around. >> What happened? >> Relax. >> I'm not under arrest. You just need to detain me. >> We need to detain you. I didn't take the money from you. >> What happened? But why am I being robbed? >> I'll explain it in one second. We need to detain you because you tried to cash a fraudulent >> What fraudulent check? I'm riding with her. Ma'am, I rolled with her to put her stuff. I don't have anything. >> Did you go anywhere else >> No. No, I went to public assistance and got to give me some fruit. >> So when they start looking through the cameras at Publix, what is it going to show me? >> They're going to show me coming out with >> With who? >> They're going to show you they're going to show my wig coming off. They're going to show me coming out with fruit and a sub. >> You Guess what? Your wig don't come off. >> Stop. >> Guess what? >> Stop. >> And you know no woman goes out >> No. >> with her wig coming off. >> This didn't come off in public. That's why I'm telling you it's coming off now. What What is she What is really going on? >> No. >> You can You can leave the camera that's got the party. >> How did you get here? >> I rode in her car with her. >> Where's your car? >> She said that she don't have a car. She don't have a license. I know that. And I know she don't have a license. >> I don't know whose car it is. >> Whose car? >> I don't know whose car it >> What kind of car is it? >> It was a black car. >> Who drove? >> Some guy. I don't know. >> Okay, so stop. You said you rode with her. >> I was with her. This I came with her. I had nothing to do with this. I didn't come in this building. So why am I being detained? I came to check on her. >> Yeah, you're coming here to talk to her in this store. Listen. Being detained you're not arrested yet. You're being detained till we conduct our investigation. >> As tensions rise, the officer tries to reassure the woman and explain [music] what comes next. >> You're just >> Right now listen listen. You're being detained, okay? We'll conduct investigation. You're not arrested yet. So you you hold on listen. Hold on. We determine You're either right or you're wrong. You're going to You're going to walk away. Like a lot of times you can be a suspect, you can be a victim, you can be a witness. Right now we're not sure what you are. So you're being detained cuz right now you're caught up in this. One way or another you're caught up in this. You can be the suspect, you can be a witness. We're trying to determine that right now. So right now Which one do you want? Which one do you take? What in the world? >> me. Where's the car? >> The car is over there. It's a silver car. >> What silver car? Don't look at it. >> I went to public. And I was just to get something to eat. I ate my food. I came back. She wasn't in the car. I don't have anything in my pocket. >> I'm going to make sure Hold on. >> I have nothing to do with her. I spent every minute driving around with her all day. Well, not all day. I've been around her past hour. Her friend got got in the car and >> I'll talk to you in a minute. Hold on. >> The investigation soon leads officers to a nearby Western Union, where they locate [music] another one of the primary suspects alleged accomplices. >> Correct. Correct. Whoa. Wait. Wait. Whoa. WHOA. DON'T FIGHT. RELAX. >> STOP. RELAX. Stop spitting in MY FACE. JUST RELAX. RELAX. You're being detained. Just relax. Stop. Just relax. Relax. Just calm down. >> Right now. I'm on probation. I don't I don't care. >> But what did I do wrong, officer? >> I told you turn around. A car cuffs on YOU AND YOU'RE FIGHTING with me. Don't spit on me. Anything sharp? Any Any weapons? >> No, sir. I got my probation officer card. >> Okay, this is what's going on. Right now, you're just being detained. >> Okay. What? >> Do we conduct our investigation. >> What happened? Um >> Okay. We'll get to that, but right now you're being detained for fraudulent checks, okay? >> Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. >> Hold on. >> Hey, I got nothing to do with fraudulent checks, man. What what I got to do with fraudulent checks, bro? >> Is there anyone else in that car? >> What? No, it's What all the way all I just dropped off a girl. >> What girl? >> Kiki. >> Who's that? >> What do you mean who's that? >> I don't know who Kiki is. >> Bro, what y'all just picked up me and Kiki, bro. Told us we were all going to catch a felony. >> Uh uh Shonda. She was driving the gray car, bro. >> Put your feet inside. >> Put your feet inside. >> Hey, you got I got my card right here for >> All right, I got it. >> Oh, yeah, bro. I just left the hospital with everything for my arm, brother, bro. >> All right, that's a trick. Let's check the car. >> On your knees. >> Yes, sir. >> As the investigation continues, a female officer takes time to explain the process to the first [music] woman involved. >> Detectives are going to come out. They're going to want to talk to you, okay? What they have to do before they ask you obviously any kind of incriminating questions is read you your Miranda rights. >> Okay. >> All right. So, they're going to read you your rights. >> Okay. >> You're not being arrested. >> If >> No, they have to ask they have to read you your rights just to ask you any questions that may incriminate you. Okay? >> Okay. >> It would be in your best interest to be honest with them if you do choose to talk to them, okay? >> Is this Is this >> Hm? >> Is this the the things I have to check? >> It could It could possibly go federal just because it's involving banking. >> That's what it is. I just Yes. >> Oh, okay. >> federal building downtown >> Okay. So, then why are you participating? >> I'm trying to get them in trouble. I'm trying to work with them, but I have to do something to make sure that it look like I'm something. >> All right. Well, they can figure that out. They're going to vet all that information. If you're telling the truth, you should be fine. All right. I'm going to put you in my car until they get out here. All right. So, that way we're not making a spectacle. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> All right. >> If they decide they're taking you to jail, this is going to come off. But for now, let's just leave it on, okay? >> Okay. >> All right. Go ahead. Watch your head. >> Detectives interviewed all three people involved in the investigation. While the two alleged [music] accomplices were later released due to a lack of evidence, the female suspect ultimately admitted she knew the check was fake. She was later charged with uttering a forged check. Bank scammer thought she got away. Police had other plans. This next case begins on August 22nd, 2025, when officers [music] were called to a bank after employees reported a woman allegedly trying to cash a fraudulent check. Officers arrived just in time to intercept her as she walked out of the bank. >> I'll tell you everything, okay? >> Is that what this is all about? >> Yes. >> Sorry. >> Sorry. Excuse me. >> So, the the check that you're trying to cash. >> Okay. >> Okay. I need to read something to you. Before I can make sure you understand. >> I understand it. >> I'm going to read it to you. >> I understand. >> You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Do you understand? You have the right to have an attorney present with you while you have while you're being questioned. Do you understand each of these rights as I have explained to you? >> Yes. >> And having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to >> Yes. >> Um so, the the check that you were trying to cash today. >> Okay. >> Um who issued that check to you? >> Um as far as I know, a Miss Linda Bird. >> Okay. Who is Miss Linda to you? >> Um somebody I've done some work for. >> Did you just have that check to you? So, where is Miss Linda to you? >> No. I mean, she >> And you say as far as you know. I haven't seen her face to face. >> So, how did you get the check? >> I go in places and do a little bit of cleaning or if they need me to >> Say that again. >> I'll go in places, do cleaning, if they need me to get her food or whatnot, kind of help people out. And usually I get a check left >> So, this was left for you where? >> Um it was left at at a house in Lakeland. >> A house in Lakeland? >> Yes. >> What part of Lakeland do you live? >> I got so many I got various places I got to go throughout the day. >> Yeah, I'm sure that you have your clients and houses written down. Now, you know where she lives, right? >> I have somebody else driving me, they have all the information. I don't drive. You know, that's all I have is the ID. >> You don't know where your customers houses are that you clean? >> I don't pay that much attention and I am so tired of cleaning >> Okay. >> and running multiple things. >> According to the suspect, she runs her own business, though her answers begin falling apart as officers continue digging deeper. >> What agency do you work for? >> I work for myself. >> So, you're independent? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And you don't have >> I have friends that give me >> No, no, no, but but you you're telling me that you have your own independent business. And yet you don't know your clients' names and where they live. >> I give that to the person that drives me. I don't have that. >> You don't take the time to figure that out because you're the one who's running your business. >> I don't know. I have somebody else doing the driving for me, so that's >> Right, but driving is totally different than you know, knowing where to be at what time. >> That's one detail. Yeah, I know where to be Um Miss Linda's Mr. Mike's >> Where's Miss Linda's? >> Lakeland. >> You believe it's Lakeland? Do you see how that doesn't make any >> two Lindas I work for. >> Okay. Where's the other one? >> The other one is in Boston. >> Someone has to know where you're going each day to clean, right? >> Yeah. >> You drive? So, you just get in with your driver and they take you where you're going to go. So, they're running the business, not you. >> I try to keep a little money in my pocket. >> You what? >> I try to keep a little money in my pocket just in So, I don't know how far I can get if they don't pay >> So, they they decide where you're going to go? >> Every day you just get in the car and and clean? >> Yeah, other people drive. >> Can you Can you Keep talking to us, please. >> Yes, I can. >> All right. Um that doesn't make any sense. Go ahead. I don't want to interrupt your >> It is just >> conversation. So, you're running your own business. What's the name of your business? >> It's Crystal's Cleaning. >> Crystal's Cleaning? Are you Crystal? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> My name is Crystal. >> Makes sense. Okay. >> So, are you cleaning or what kind of service are you >> I do cleaning, I do cooking. It depends on what they need. >> Okay. And so, you don't know who's writing your check, who's leaving your check, you're just going to >> Does anybody else go into the house with you to clean or is it just you? >> Um it is Sometimes there's Crystal. >> Okay. >> Officers dig deeper into her claims about who she works with, but the more she [music] explains, the harder it becomes to make sense of her story. >> Did Michelle work with you today? >> No, she didn't. >> Okay. Did Michelle work with you yesterday? >> No. >> Okay. So, it's just Crystal. >> Yes. >> Okay. Makes a lot of sense. So, your driver drives you to wherever, you go in you clean, and you find a check from whatever your employer is. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, how did you get here today? >> Um I caught an Uber. >> Caught an Uber? Is that your driver? >> No, the Uber. Not usually, sometimes it is, but not >> Okay. All right. So, do you Do you hear how this the pieces are? Okay. All right. >> I should turn around for >> Hold >> Oh, here. Wait, wait, wait. I'm going to tell you I'm going to tell you something right now. If you go in there and clean every day all by yourself and there's no one else in there. >> I don't go in there all the time by myself. Sometimes I do some of the work for >> Okay, but the last 2 days, right? So, who ordered the checkbook that stolen the last 2 days? >> Then I will be I'm stating it because I don't steal. >> Yeah, but nobody else has been in the house except for you. >> Oh, then somebody else had been in the house or something. Somebody >> You have a check from the stolen checkbook that you just said that no one else is cleaning in the house except for you. >> Yes, I received that in an envelope. >> In an envelope? >> Yes. >> From a checkbook that has been stolen. So, the thief left you a check? >> I guess. I don't have the envelope. No, I don't. It was in my >> Do you see how that doesn't make any sense? You don't have the envelope. All you have is the check from a checkbook which went missing. You said no one else is working with you. >> No. >> Do you want to just be honest? >> I am being as honest as I can. >> You're not being very honest. >> I did not steal the checkbook. >> It's pretty obvious what happened to you. So, if you want to just come clean and talk to us about it, we can do that. >> for somebody, this is the time to like let us know. I know you have kids to take care of. This is the time to save yourself. >> I did not steal no checkbook. That's all I'm saying. >> So, is it one sent to you in here to the cashier's check? >> Don't make up a story. If it's you, just own it cuz it seems pretty clear that if no one else is working with you, no one else has been in this house other than you, you don't have the envelope, all you have is the check, it seems pretty clear what just happened. It's It's It's way better to be honest with us. We're human beings. But, your story makes no sense and it's pretty clear what happened. >> The questioning has backed the woman into a corner and she appears to be running out of answers. >> I did not steal no checkbook. >> I bet you have a stolen check. >> I don't know how I got a stolen check. I didn't steal no checkbook. >> All right. >> Okay, I have in my purse Okay, all right. >> No problem. >> Is it in a sealed prescription container? >> Uh, some of it is and some of it is not. >> Hold on, that is illegal. >> After taking the suspect into custody, officers reach out to her alleged clients to verify her story. The answers they received [music] do little to help her case. >> Could you tell me what's going on as far as do you know this person or what's how this person uh has a personal check from your your guys' checkbook? >> We We have no idea. >> Okay. >> We don't know anybody by that name. >> And do you have anybody doing any like um cleaning work or like nursing work where they would be in and out of your home or anything like that? >> The only thing we have is uh we have a a a person that cleans for us has cleaned for us for 2 years or 3 years. >> A lot longer than that. Yeah. >> 4 years probably. >> Okay, what's that person's name? >> Her name is Graciela 2017. >> I I can't remember her last name. Okay. >> And she doesn't she doesn't work with anybody else when she comes to the home. She just works alone. She doesn't bring anybody? >> No, she has brought someone new recently, a younger girl. >> Okay, and you guys wouldn't know her name or anything like that? >> Well, she introduced me to her I can also I can always call Graciela. >> We can get her. >> I can get that information for you. >> Okay, and when you say young, how young does this person look? >> Uh I don't know. Probably 17, 18, 19 maybe. >> Okay, okay. All right, all right, all right. Well, it's definitely not this person. Okay, um have you guys filed any >> Let me ask you a question. Was this person Hispanic? >> No. >> Okay. >> No. >> Graciela and anybody that she brought with her is Hispanic. >> Okay, no no, this person is not Hispanic. Um it's going to get turned over to the detective. It seems as if she may have been working with someone, but she didn't She definitely did not want to give up any of that information, so she's taking this person is taking the fall for everything. >> According to the couple, the suspect never worked for them at all. Now officers are trying to determine how the check ended up in her possession. >> Um I have arrested her. Um she is being charged right now uh with two charges, and that's for um uttering a forged uh document a uh uttering a forged um document, which is the check. It has uh Linda's name or signature alleged signature on the front. And um for the trying to cash it at the bank. I don't We do not know how she is in possession of this. She was saying that the check was left for her for services that she had rendered by taking doing some housekeeping work. And she couldn't tell us who paid her. But the check is fully filled out, and it has um Linda's has the signature on the front, and it says for nursing and in-house work. >> We've closed that account. And we transferred all the money in that account into another account. >> you close the account? >> Huh? >> When did you close the account? >> Uh Linda closed it this afternoon. >> Okay. What made you close it this afternoon? >> Cuz she went to the bank up here our Regions bank up here. >> Mhm. >> And while she was in the bank they got a call Is it Is this right, Linda? >> Yeah. >> They got a call from somebody about another check. >> Was it about this particular check or a different check? >> Well, I I don't know because I was I was at >> Okay, can I speak to Linda on that? >> I was at work, but but I think she thinks Linda thinks it was another check. It could have been this check, but but it was another check that somebody was trying to cash. >> The victim now works with officers [music] to piece together how the check allegedly ended up in the suspect's possession. >> It's a copy of the check and it's it's the check number 853 >> [music] >> and it's payable to Crystal Smith for $1,826.90. It is for cleaning service. >> Okay. >> Is that the check that that Is that the one that you're dealing with down there? >> Nope, it's a separate check. So, this is why I'm I'm so glad you called. >> That's what I thought. That's why I'm thinking that there's two checks. >> Okay, Crystal [snorts] Smith and what was that amount for? >> $1,826.90. And I'm wondering if this is the same person. >> Yeah, it's it's it's definitely the same person. So, >> He's trying to do two checks. >> That it's definitely the same person. So, here here I did not find the checkbook on her. So, that means that that alleges leaves me excuse me to believe that she's working with someone >> The woman later pleaded guilty to uttering a forged check and was sentenced to 36 months of probation. Police surprise a man trying to cash a fraudulent check. On May 14th, 2025, officers responded to a bank after reports of a man allegedly attempting to cash a fraudulent check. Here's how the investigation unfolded. >> What was Okay. Hey, do me a favor, sir. You're not under arrest. You're just being detained right now. Till we figure out what's going on here, okay? >> Okay, no problem. >> All right, man. >> I just got phone right here. >> Say what? >> My phone is right there. >> That's all right. Nothing will happen to it. Oh. 10 1 to 10. >> Uh >> We're going to go ahead and have a seat over here. >> All right. >> You have any knives or weapons or anything like that? >> No. >> She's going to pat you down real quick here, okay? >> Okay. >> Like I said, I don't know what's going on here. >> Mhm. >> I'll explain everything in a moment. Just spread your legs here for me. >> Okay. >> Wallet? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay, your ID's going to be in there? >> Yeah, they got it right here. >> Or they got it? >> Yeah. >> All right. Keys? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Lighter? >> Yes. >> Just do me a favor and have a seat right here, sir. >> Okay. >> What's your name, man? >> Devon Dunlap. >> Devon what? >> Dunlap. D E V I N D U N L A P. >> All right, listen to me while I got to read you your rights, okay, man? Like I said, you're not under arrest at this time. Just being detained. >> I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you. >> You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Do you understand? >> Yeah. >> You have the right to the presence of an attorney prior to or while you're being questioned. Do you understand? >> Yes. >> If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed at county expense to represent you before any questioning if you so wish. Do you understand? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. You may decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any of my questions or make any statements. Do you understand? >> Yes. >> All right. Do you understand any of these rights that I've just explained to you? >> Yes. >> All right. Having these rights in mind, will you answer our questions? >> I will not. >> Sorry? No? >> The suspect chooses not to speak after hearing his rights, leaving officers to gather information from employees [music] and examine the check he presented. >> You read him already? >> Yep. >> You got his name? >> He said I don't want to answer any questions. >> Oh, no. He don't want to He don't want to say anything? Okay. Can I at least get his name? You got it You got his name already? >> No, I figured I did. Thought they had his ID or something like that. He's got a wallet. >> All right. >> This is his phone right here? >> Oh, yeah, it's in the bag. >> Okay. Did he give you any ID? All right there. Okay. ID. And that's the check right here? Do you have it? Can I just get that? Did he happen to give you anything else or that was it? >> That was it. >> That was it? Okay. Almost. >> You need help like doing statements and all that stuff? You got it? >> Uh >> I've done this plenty of times before. >> Yeah, I will. >> And then I call my girl so she can pick up my car? >> You said what? >> And then I call my girl so she can pick up my car? >> Yeah, once we get over to the station, I'll let you make a phone call. Yeah. Huh? Which one is it? >> Right there, the stereo. >> Which one? >> Stereo. >> The gray one? >> Yeah. >> All right. Uh yeah, once we get there, I'll let her Let you get the >> Key from me? >> Where the keys at? Are they in your pockets? Well, I'm about to take out everything from your pockets and your car, all right? Turn the AC on for you. >> All right. >> To get a clearer picture of what happened, officers reached out to the individual who allegedly issued the check. >> Hello. >> Hi, how you doing? Uh this is Mr. O'Brien again. Okay, how you doing? It's Officer Stewart. So, um the check that this uh male was trying to to cash, do you know where exactly where you got it from? >> I have no idea. >> Oh, you have no idea. Is it a check? >> It's a 5150 Riverside. >> Yeah, is it a personal or business check? It looks like a business check. >> Riverside Shadow Hills. Go ahead. Run a check. License plate number 2025 black Kia. >> old. That's your good. Yeah, I can see you can copy. Yeah, so it's from you and it's Yes, being paid to the owner of this this mail, right? Do you Do you know what Devon left down there? Devon left down there? Last week? Yeah. Uh What's her husband's name? Yes, your husband also. Yeah. Yes, sir. Okay. And you've never been in I'm sorry. Oh, yeah. Mhm. Who's that good check cashing place called her? Yeah, who's that that called you last week? It was him you're saying or Oh, so you think that he was trying to call you last week to get your information? Okay. No, he's not he's not saying anything. No. >> For the time being, officers end the conversation and continue working the case. >> Yeah, of course. I'm going to be giving you a call back with any more information or anything else you need, okay? >> Okay. All right, I appreciate it. >> All right, no problem. >> Thank you. >> Um I can get a statement from the teller. >> Okay. >> Do you want me to call Shroy? Run it by him or you want to call him? >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, see what this >> I think it's a straight, you know, it's forged instrument. You can charge identity theft, uh attempted grand theft. And if they're willing to um be a victim, you charge them with bank fraud as well. >> Okay. >> So, let me call uh Sheroy. But if you want to go ahead and transport him, I think you're good. It's just we got to figure out how to do a statement from her. That may be something that they may do later on. So, um let me call Brett and I'll I'll call you. >> Officers still have a few loose ends to tie up, so one of them returns to the bank to speak with employees and collect their statements. >> Who handled this transaction with the uh gentleman? >> I did. >> Okay, I'm going to need to get a statement from you. And then I don't know if you want to call up your boss, but you guys are technically a victim of the crime of bank fraud because he tried to, you know, dupe you guys. I don't know if you want to call your boss to find out cuz I got to get a statement from you. Just going over the details of him presenting the uh check and everything like that. And then if you want to call your boss and ask them or if you guys are willing to press charges in regards to the charge for bank fraud. >> Actually, you guys I don't need to recognize him. >> Yeah, wouldn't mind. And then is there some way I can get get a statement from her? >> Yeah. >> Um can I come around the back? >> the back side. >> Sorry? >> You need to step out. >> Either or, whatever you guys want to do. We can do it right here. It's going to be a tape statement. >> Okay. >> So. Um just go ahead and walk me through the gentleman that came into the store today whose name is >> Yes. >> Hold on a second. Yeah, Devin Dunlop. Um just walk me through when he entered and just, you know, eventually led to me showing up here. >> Okay, so he came in actually yesterday to cash it. And >> The same check? >> Yeah, the same check. He said he came in because he sold his car. It was a 2012 BMW, I think 328. >> Mhm. >> And And when I asked him did he have any like paperwork from selling the car? He said no. >> Mhm. >> And then he stated that he provided the 786 telephone number saying that that's who he sold the car to. >> Mhm. >> And then when we tried looking up the number it came back to someone else that wasn't that who he sold the car to. >> Okay. >> And then from that we got a hold of the maker and the maker said that she received a call last week with the same person trying to cash the same check. And that is fraudulent. >> As it turns out, good communication between the businesses involved [music] combined with the staff's attention to detail helped expose the fraudulent check. >> She got a phone call from another place? >> Lisa. Yeah. So the stamp that was on the back of the check, I asked him I said, "Hey, where did you take it to?" Because he had to have a cancellation endorsement stamp. >> Mhm. >> And it wasn't a cancellation stamp so I told him that he would have to go back and come back. >> So there was a stamp on the back of the check? So that would indicate that he attempted to or tried to get >> Right. And he stated that they said that because he didn't have an account with them that they wouldn't be able to cash it. >> Got you. Okay. So then you said you called the maker on the check, Lisa? >> Yes. >> Okay. And you spoke to her just directly and everything like that. >> Right. Just just verify the check. >> And what did she tell you? The same thing >> She said the same thing that this is fraudulent because she received a call from a bank last week. She didn't give a date, but last week that the same check with the same amount. >> Okay. All right. He presented ID to you? >> Yes, he did. >> Okay. You looked at the ID, verified it and everything like that. >> Correct. >> Um no money was exchanged at the Okay. >> Not at all. >> Um did she Lisa tell you that she was calling the police? >> Yes. >> Okay. Were you going to be calling the police eventually or what's your policy? I don't know what your policy is regards to situations like this. >> Well, no, that part my manager I have to follow up with her far as that. Yes, Anika. >> Okay. All right. What was I going to say? Um was there like a transaction slip created for this transaction already? Do you guys I don't know if you guys do like >> Yeah, we have paperwork. >> Okay. I'll talk to her regards to seeing if I can get a copy of that and then also talk to her in regards to getting the um who do I need to contact to get the video? I did ask her about previously about the bank fraud. I'm guessing check check cashing doors want to press charges in regards to that. Is that correct or you need to verify with her? >> Yeah, have to verify with her. >> Okay. Is there anything else you When I came into the store, I'm sorry about that. Just to verify when I came in the store, the gentleman that was at the counter, that was the correct gentleman, correct? >> Correct. >> Okay. Anything else you'd like to say? >> The investigation ultimately concluded with a suspect facing charges of grand theft and uttering a [music] forged instrument. Fundraiser turns out to be an alleged scammer, gets caught fast. In our final case, officers respond to a Walmart after reports that a man soliciting donations allegedly charged a donor's credit card far more than intended. Here's what happened when police confronted him. >> Hey, I'm Officer TV. What are we, fundraising, man? You did really good today, huh? >> No, no, just not today. >> No, it's not today? >> No. >> Okay, cool. >> Should have been a BGF you said. I'm part of >> You mind if I take a look? >> Yeah, go ahead. >> Cool. Boys and Girls Club? I played Boys and Girls Club basketball growing up, dude. >> Yeah. >> Um, so the issue that I got here is uh the Walmart doesn't want you here without the permission. Um, you have to get permission cuz it's private property. >> I told you that the other day when you were here. >> Oh, oh. >> Yeah, I told you the other day when you were here. >> I'm sorry. >> You can't just show up and and >> Hold on. He's been He's been very nice. We don't need a We don't need to scold. We don't need to parent. >> No, I'm sorry. It's just, you know, Walmart has >> Can you Can you step out? I just don't want to get hit by a car while we're talking. >> Walmart has a lot of traffic here, so it's easy to fundraise. You know, it's easy to make money here. So, I know you said I have to go through the office, but it's just It's just like so many ways to do Yes, so I'm sorry about that. >> No, you're all you're all good, man. Do you just do cash or do you like your cards? >> No, I do cash on the way. >> Just your cash? >> Yes. >> All right, you don't take anybody's cards or anything like that. I just seen so many different ways to do it. Okay. You got your ID on you, boss? >> No, no, sir. I don't need my name on it. >> What's that? Okay. Why don't you have your ID on you? >> I left it at the house. >> The house? Okay, cool. Where do you stay at? >> Um Chicago. >> Chicago? You bring it all this way to fundraise? >> Yeah. Sweet out here. Um okay, what's your last name? Yes, sir. >> Your first name? >> Larry. >> Larry? Is it Larry or Lawrence in your person? >> Just Larry. >> Larry? You got a middle initial? >> No. >> No middle initial? >> No. >> Okay, what's your date of birth? No middle initial? >> No, no. >> Okay. You got any warrants or anything like that? >> No, I'm not. >> No, okay. What's your real name? >> Yeah, why are you asking? >> I don't know. People lie to me all the time for no reason. Like dumb stuff, dude. >> No, no, I don't have no ID. >> Okay, cool. All right. I have to get one named Ruby. >> The officer listens to the man's explanation, but his next claim only makes the story harder to believe. >> Where's your license out of if you when you had one? >> Chicago. I never >> Illinois? >> Yeah, I never had a license. >> Larry Z Larry Megan boss. No middle initial male black. You never had a photo ID, never had a card. >> I do have a photo ID, I just don't have it with me. >> Oh, okay. So now you Okay, now you have it. Okay. Are you Are you here with anybody else? >> No, no. >> How'd you get here? You Uber from Chicago to raise money? Dude, if everybody was like you, we'd be well off in this world. >> actually have a lot of more of us out here. >> Oh, really? So it's like a whole >> Yeah. >> whole joint effort. >> Yeah, I have some in Barrington. So. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I have them in there. >> Jeff Orr. All right, man. So, that's a fake name. >> Yeah. I promise you that's not a fake name. That's literally me. >> checked that information. >> you my social and everything. >> Okay, so I checked that information through dispatch. You heard me say "Read it back," right? They're saying it doesn't exist. >> I promise you that's me. Like, I promise. I swear to God that's me. >> Okay. >> Like, I I don't know what's going on, but that's literally me. >> Okay. Uh can you Can you just set your stuff down for a second? >> Yeah, I can give you my social >> have anything on you that says your name is Larry? >> Yeah, yeah. I I have a picture. >> That helps out. >> Like, because this is I don't know what's going on. I don't know what's going >> Have you been up here lately doing this, like any other days? >> No. That's literally me. >> You're Junior. Maybe that's what's throwing it off. >> That's literally me. Can I take the hat off? >> What's that? >> Can I have to take the hat >> No. No. Uh your nose. I can tell it's you. But uh so it wasn't coming back, but with this number that's going to really help, okay? >> Okay. >> Uh 5815. The Junior might have been throwing it off. >> Yeah, I don't >> You're good. Is it African-American? >> With the initial questioning out of the way, the officer tells the suspect exactly why the police wanted to speak with him. >> All right, and there's that back for you. So, the real reason that like there's an issue coming up here, let me straight up with you, is that we've had some issues with some fraud up here. >> Mhm. >> Like people saying they're going to take your card, >> Mhm. >> right? >> Yeah, I don't I don't even take cards. I take all cash. And I also have a job outside of this. >> Okay. So, when was the last time you were up here? >> Um probably like 2 weeks ago. >> 2 weeks ago? >> Yeah. We Like I said, it's multiple people. It's It's more of us up here. We have some embarrassing what not like I said. So I only take cash. I don't do anything with card. >> Okay. All right. Cuz there's a really good video here. If you want to have an honest conversation right now, I'm down to have it, Larry. >> Well. >> All right. >> Well. >> That's another reason why I'm talking to you. You know what's going on. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, what's up? >> Um so uh basically now someone I I was doing a fundraiser and someone I guess he had he didn't have cash, only had card. So I charged him, but it was 10 times more than what he supposed to charge. So he supposed to charge $10, but I end up charging 1,500. So when I showed him the refund I'm like I'm going to refund you. He's like okay, he went to his car and put the candy down. And when he came back, the lady told me to move. >> Okay. >> And I had already >> So how much were you supposed to charge? >> my Uber was already here. >> How much did you charge him? >> 1,500. >> 1,500? >> Yeah. Um I don't even >> How much were you supposed to charge him? >> $10. >> That's more than 10 times the amount of money, right? Holy cow. So when was that? >> I don't even know. >> I mean it wasn't 2 weeks ago, right? Okay. >> All right, let me see. Let me see. 237. So he should be getting it. >> You mind if I take a look? >> You can look. >> The officer now points to a transaction on the suspect's PayPal account that appears to match the charge reported by the victim. This is just showing me your PayPal balance. >> No, look. That's the He paid me through that, right? So, 1,400 and I issued a refund. That was around the time of that happened and they took it from my PayPal balance. So, let me go back to the That's the refund. That's what the money received. >> Your buyer reported a problem with this transaction. >> So, I I already told him he paid me. So, I don't even understand >> So, the buyer reported the problem. >> Yeah, yeah. I I already told him. Like, when he said he was like, "Oh, you charged my card?" I'm like, "Yeah, I'm >> Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Remember that the I talked about you lighting me all the time. I know you guys didn't talk after >> Yeah, we did we have We did talk. Once he did it, he looked He was like, "Okay, uh I gave him his card back." He was like, "You charged me 10 times." Then he walked to his car. And by he By the time he walked to his car, my Uber was on already on the way. And when I walked out, the lady told me to move. And I'm like, "All right." I hopped in the Uber and I went to the next location. >> Okay. All right. Um Can you show me that again of where I want to see the money just again, man. >> What, you want to count it? >> No. That, no. >> Oh. >> Not Not right now. >> So, Oh, yeah, that's Refund sent completed. >> Okay. >> Where does it go to where we issued? >> No, that's what he He sent it. >> Yeah, he sent it. And then he reported a problem with the transaction. >> So, he sent it back. Okay. >> The officer continues digging deeper into the transaction, especially given the amount involved. According to the victim, the $1,500 charge came as a complete surprise. >> How much was it for? Cuz I don't think it was for that Was it just for that 1,400? I thought it was for more. >> No, it was for 1,400. >> Yeah, cuz it wasn't wasn't my report there. Might I take a look? >> Go ahead. >> So, what is Sharecare? Is that the >> That's the card it came from. >> Now, Ship To, that's that's you, right? Sharecare. >> Oh, yeah, that's me. That's me. That's me. >> So, there's a fee. All right. So, how come you didn't try to get this money back to him? >> I did. I I I >> No, no, no, no. That when the It says the buyer reported a problem. >> Right. >> Right? >> Right. I told him he had to issue a refund that way. Like, that's the only way to do it. >> No, but he I know he didn't do that right away. See See, you really You've been like halfway truthful. Like, I know you feel like you know you did something wrong, right? >> Yeah, I know I did I'm saying I know I did something wrong, but >> So, so, would I be reading this right that you put the over amount on there on purpose? >> Yeah, I did. >> Okay. How many times you done this, man? >> No, not that many times. >> That's the first time. First time, you feel better about it? >> Yeah, I do. >> Okay. >> No, I I That's the only way I issued it cuz I have to be on part two issue to for the for the refund to go through. You hear me? I have to say yeah, he didn't receive this for it to go through. That's That's all I'm saying. >> All right. So, you said you felt bad after the fact when >> Yeah, cuz I really Yeah. >> No matter how the suspect tries to explain [music] it now, the officer appears to have already made up his mind. >> All right. I said if I felt like I wasn't going to be a problem when I came back up here. >> Okay. >> If I really >> So, like I mean, you've been super honest with me now. We're getting places, right? Cuz like when I asked you, like you said you were here 2 weeks ago. Why didn't you tell me that when clearly it was just 2 days ago? >> Cuz honestly, I didn't I didn't know like it was going to be this big of a problem, especially if the guy got his money back. So, I don't I don't know. >> Right. Like cuz I you know, I'm worried you know, that this stuff isn't for charity at all. >> Mhm. >> Am I right? Like I get you got to make money. Dude, times are hard. Uh >> Yeah. No, it's >> Is this for Is this Is this Like people people work for paychecks and I get people work to be to be for working. You know what I'm saying? >> Yeah. >> But like But like man, there's there's a right way to do it and then there's the wrong way to do it and you know, we got to figure this out, right? >> have a job, so >> I'm not saying I'm not denying that, man. I get I get I I side hustle, too, right? I I I Do you believe I give golf lessons? Okay. So, we all do something to make a little bit more money, right? Is that Would that be what you're out here doing today for yourself? >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. I hear you. So, this is no charity. This is just >> Yeah, this is really Yeah. >> Okay. >> There's no such thing as BBQ >> You just made the made this up. It's all right. Christmas time, people are in the giving mood. Yeah. I get it, man. All right. But you know, do you understand that that's wrong? >> Yes, sir. >> Do you understand that's fraud? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. All right. There's going to be some consequences to your actions here, right? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Jail, I mean What's that? >> I said jail, I know. >> Yeah. You You did Man, people in this state we we You go to jail right now for forcible felonies. This isn't a forcible felony, I don't think. Okay. So, you got to hang with me. >> Before taking the suspect into custody, the officer asks a few final questions to close out the interview. >> Who else is here? I saw somebody in a car. That wasn't your Uber. That Is that somebody else that helped you out? >> Yeah. >> All right. What's she up to? >> Nothing. >> Did you try to get out of here when you saw me come up? >> Uh no um >> I think I saw her pull up here. >> Yeah actually I was I was I was going to leave because it was it was wasn't doing much business here so >> Where are you from? >> Chicago. >> Okay. All right. Do you have Do you have a way to and from Chicago? >> Yeah yeah yeah yeah. >> I didn't know if you were staying down here somewhere. >> No no. But we we all scatter around. >> Okay. Okay. >> So it's not just me we all >> The whole the whole thing. The whole thing try to make make it back. Okay. All right. So right now Larry dude can you just you've been super cool can you sit down right there for me? Have a have a seat okay? How long you been here today? >> I literally just got here. >> Is so is all that cash man from pretending to be the charity that's in here right now too? >> No. I just make it look real No no I make it look real because if you look the more cash you have it's more convincing. >> Right. >> So I promise you it's not. So I don't know how else to convince you but I swear on my grandmother's grave >> Remember we talked about though when you came clean the you know right the the cameras cuz like you're under what and see that one right there. >> Yeah. >> And you're you're on >> Yeah I I actually the money that I that I I made today is not in the Rover van. So >> What what's it in? >> It's not it's just loose. >> That you made today? >> Yeah. >> It's just loose in there? >> Yeah. And most most majority of that is 20 so it's like it's not I didn't make that all that today. It's just um Like how can I say it? I was in a move. To make it seem like I'm doing good so people can see. >> Right. Right. >> Um you said that you you this is just kind of a side hustle to make money. Where do you work at? >> Target. >> At Target? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Officers later discovered [music] that the suspect was carrying roughly $2,000 in cash, which he allegedly used to persuade people to donate. >> What are you doing at Target? >> Hey Elena. It's like a cartoon warehouse. >> Um >> You mean it was a cartoon? >> Kind of. Like I've heard other people mention >> I'm sorry. >> Do you use the key? >> Yes, sir. Okay. >> Do you have a phone on you or anything right now? >> Yeah, yeah. Yeah. >> Is it >> It's not on. >> You have another one? This You mean it's just not cell phone service type thing? >> Yeah, it's just connected to Wi-Fi. >> Got you. >> Okay. >> All right, Larry. Why don't you go and stand up for me, man? Okay, so what you're under arrest for right now is completely unrelated to the place of arrest for fraud investigation, all right? >> Okay. >> When you get a phone call you can talk to people around here. >> The investigation ultimately concluded with the suspect facing a charge of theft over $500. What do you think? Did they get what they deserved? Let me know in the comments, and I'll catch you in the next video.