Who is the person that gave you the checks? >> need to know who they are. >> Where did you get the checks from? >> I don't know where they got the checks from. >> No, where did you get the checks from? >> Oh, I met up with a person. >> Because right now, this is probably one of the worst stories I've ever heard. >> She goes to two ATMs, deposits or withdraws $1,000 each. She then goes to Kissimmee branch and then withdraws $20,000. >> It's a fraudulent check. They don't have a She's not their client. They don't have a check that starts with that account. >> But I didn't I wrote the check and I didn't get it cashed. So, what did I do wrong? I mean, somebody paid me for something. I have to come in here to try to cash it. >> If you hold that in the light, you can see where it really is written 400 and this is not a real signature. >> Bank scammers are often calm and calculated and confident they can outsmart anyone around them. But the moment law enforcement walks in, the confidence they have usually disappears fast. Their plans, no matter how elaborate, collapse in a matter of seconds when the cops surprise these fraudsters doing their bank scams. >> What's wrong with the check? >> That's what I'm asking you. >> There's nothing wrong with the check. She didn't tell me there was nothing wrong with the check. She told me I had an error with my verification. >> All right. >> I cashed it for who to get some money? I make good money. >> Okay. >> I make real good money, bro. I work I'm a property manager. You can call Universal. >> Okay. >> On the 8th of September, 2023, at a Navy Federal Credit Union branch in Orlando, Florida, a man tried to cash a check worth $23,000. After the staff couldn't verify it, they called the police. >> You want to talk about what's going on right now? You want to ask some questions and all that? All right. >> Tell me what's going on cuz I don't know. >> Okay. Before I do that, I just got to read you this, okay? >> For being detained? >> You're not being arrested. At this point, you're detained and I can't talk to you about what's going on without reading you your rights first. It's personal. All right. If you want to talk to me about it, I got to got to read you your rights. >> going on >> I want to clear this up cuz I don't know what's going on. Yeah. >> You have the right to remain silent. Do you understand? >> Yes, I do. >> Okay, can we talk about what's going on? >> Yes, we can. >> All right, what's the what's the deal with the check? >> What do you mean what's the deal with the check? >> Yeah, the check. The check that you're trying to deposit today. That you got to verify and you're you're trying to make all these phone calls. >> with the check? >> That's what I'm asking you. >> There's nothing wrong with the check. She didn't tell me there was nothing wrong with the check. She told me I had an error with my verification. >> Okay. >> And she she told me to go I she told me to go outside and I went outside >> Okay. >> and I called them and I came back in and they said you want to speak to the manager to verify me. >> Okay. >> And they said the only way to do that is to change my passcode. >> Change your passcode for what? >> For my verification. >> Okay. >> You feel me? Cuz she said that they she said that somebody came in yesterday and they red flagged me. >> The suspect didn't resist or obstruct. He claimed he was there because the teller was having trouble verifying his identity. Strangely, he didn't mention trying to cash a check, so the officer reminded him. >> He said what? >> The check that you're trying to deposit today, the cash today. Where is it from? >> It's from a grant loan. >> A grant loan from what state? >> Texas. >> Texas, okay. Uh what's the grant loan for? Are you in school or something or I'm just trying to know. >> Is something wrong with the check or something? Like I'm confused. That's why I'm looking at you like that. Like I'm trying to figure out what's going on cuz I was just talking to the clerk. She didn't tell me nothing about this and now you're telling me about a check and all this stuff and then she was telling me, "Oh, well, we can deposit this. It's going to take 5 days." But I was like, "Why would you deposit this if I can't even get a 5? A red flag and I can't get a deposit. I can't get a debit card." So I she told her, "The only way you could do that, we can't verify you through us. Call the bank." >> Okay. >> So I went outside. That's why he was outside earlier. I went outside and I jumped in the car and I was on the phone with Navy Federal. >> Okay. >> they she told me she don't know why they couldn't verify me. Go back in the bank and see if they can speak to the manager. I came in and I asked for the manager and that was you. >> Which car is yours outside? >> Huh? >> Which car is yours outside? >> Which car is mine? It's um I think it's a it's a charger. Well, it's not my car, it's my people's car. >> Did you drive yourself here or >> No, my friend is in the car. >> Okay. The more the officer pressed for answers, the more the hole started to appear in the man's story. He said the check had been mailed to his address, but couldn't remember what the address was, despite the fact that he'd lived in Orlando for several years. >> 3 years? >> 2 3 years and you don't know your address? >> I just moved and stuff like I don't I don't know the address by heart. I can get you the ID if you need the ID and stuff. I don't I don't know nothing about that. I don't know that. I don't have no bad check. I have not done nothing wrong. >> Okay. >> I have not done nothing wrong, bro. Like >> Okay. Well, I want you to be truthful with me. >> I am being truthful. Why the hell would I come in here a bank with a bad check? I've been coming here for years. I I never had a fraudulent problem with my Navy Federal. >> Okay. The Navy Federal account that you have right now is under your name? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. How long have you had that bank account? >> I had I've been with Navy Federal for like 5 years. That's all that's should be all on record and documented. >> Okay. So, like I said, let me go back, let me verify all the documents, let me see everything that they have, and then I'll come back and and then you know, if I got something to follow up with, I'll follow up with you. Right now, this is what you're telling me though, right? >> I'm telling you the truth, bro. >> I just want to verify what you're telling me right now. >> The guy it's a black guy that sits right here, bro. He I go to him all the time, bro. I never had no problem with nothing in my life. >> Instead of focusing on the check issue, the suspect wanted to know why he wasn't informed by the teller that something was wrong. As things turned out, the teller was trying to stall the man, believing he might try to flee once he realized the cops would be involved. >> They told me the red flag was because I came in there and I had two debit cards and they did not work. >> Okay. >> If if you need a different verification, I have another ID and this is another ID right here. This is two verifications. >> All right. What you do for Universal? >> I'm a property I'm a property manager. >> Okay. Property manager of what do you like what do you property manager of job over there? >> Basically I say like we get a lot like for the meetings they'll get us what they give us the problem what they want us to do if they want us to clean, paint, maintenance teachers. I'm the one that tells them, "Hey, this crew y'all go do clean up. This crew y'all do the maintenance on this or this little crew right here y'all go paint." >> Okay. Cool. All right, let me see what's up with the documents in the truck, all right? I'll be back. You got ID? >> No, it's it's in the car. >> I thought it was in your wallet. >> No, my ID's in my car. >> Okay. Well, I I ask cuz he's telling me it's a grant check from schooling. Would you all disburse a check for that? >> Grant check? Um no, we don't do grants. I mean >> The officer talked to the Navy general and found out that the check was not for a grant. It was for a teacher's 401K for their pension. The only way the suspect could have legally obtained the check was if he was a retired teacher or a beneficiary of said teacher. >> If I give you a check number, is there any way you can look that up? >> And what is the in the amount of? >> It's for $23,185.92. >> Thank you so much for holding. So, um I did not find anything with that information. >> Okay, so therefore this check is is fraudulent then, correct? Fair to say? >> Um I I mean I I I don't want to give out any official or anything like that. >> Yeah, yeah, I get it. I mean all right, baby. Uh probably it's it's probably not legit. If you don't have the warrant number, you don't have that check amount. It's probably not a real check, correct? >> Although he didn't get official confirmation, the man had lied about what the check was for and his social security number didn't come back with the Navy general. Adding everything up, there was plenty of probable cause to go ahead with the arrest. >> You were going to be truthful about the check. >> I got told you something was going on so if you going to send me to jail, just take me to jail, bro. >> Okay. All right, and it was a grant check were you in school? Can you tell me what school you were in? >> I don't I don't want to talk no more. I don't know what's going on. I'm just going to keep it like that. You feel me? >> Okay. >> I told them to verify myself cuz I had two debit cards. >> Yeah. >> I came in here with this now. I got this and I have another ID and I wanted to speak to the manager. I've >> Okay. >> I've been coming here for 5 years, no problems, no none of that. >> Okay. >> I'm not going to come here on no check, bro. >> Okay. Well, I'm telling you that they in your terms, the check is bogus. Okay? >> I I didn't know I didn't know that the check was bogus. And when she cashed it, why didn't she tell me that? >> Okay, you told me the check is from a grant money from school. That check is from a 401 account for retirement. >> For what? >> No reason why anybody would be sending you that check, right? >> So, I don't Listen, I'm just telling you what I know. >> Okay. >> And that's not no check that I made. This is not no I'm not coming >> I'm not saying you made it. I know I think something I think the person who made it gave it to you to cash it for them and you were going to get some money out of it. >> Cash it for who to get some money? For I make good money. >> Okay. >> I make real good money, bro. I work I'm a property man. You can call Universal >> Okay. When the officer confronted him with the facts, his story fell apart. However, he still insisted he was the victim of a fraud. He said he made $25 an hour, so he had no reason at all to commit the fraud. But with no one else to hold accountable, he was going to be headed to jail. >> All right, stand up. Face the wall. Straighten your legs up. Am I under arrest? >> Yes, sir. >> What's the charges? >> Uttering a forged check, defrauding financial institution, grand theft, possession of counterfeit financial instrument. You got any weapons on your person or anything? >> No, I don't have a weapon on my person. Do I have my phone or have a bond? >> Yes, you will have a bond. >> Do you got anything on you? >> I don't have nothing, boss man. I don't have nothing. >> You got a necklace or something? >> It's a It's a regular bead like a bead necklace. >> Okay, I just want >> There's nothing, bro. There's nothing on it, man. >> I'm telling you there's nothing, bro. I'm already caught, bro. >> They going to scan you at the jail, dude. >> If you take it into the jail, it's a charge. If we find it here, it's not. That's why we just want to verify that there's nothing in it. >> Well, can I do something real quick? Can I do something so they won't touch me when we get to the jail? >> What do you want to do? >> I want to take off my chain, but I don't want nobody else to touch it. >> Where's your chain? >> This is my chain. >> Okay. What do you want to do? >> I want to take it off. I don't want you to touch it. That's the whole point. >> You can't stay out of the game over here. >> I can try to do it. I can I can try. >> How are you going to try? Why can't Why can't I just take it off for you? >> I don't want you to touch it. >> He eventually allowed the officer to take his necklace off, which held sentimental value to the man. He was taken off to jail and charged with defrauding a financial institution, uttering a forged check, grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000, and possessing a counterfeit payment instrument. All of his charges were later dropped. On the 28th of February 2025 in Naples, Florida, another incident unfolded that was similar to the last. Allegedly, a woman there was trying to cash a fraudulent check, but before she even walked in the place, the bank was on the lookout as they'd already received a warning. >> Hey, what's going on, man? Are you calling? >> No. >> You didn't call? >> At all? >> No, you didn't call. >> I I did not call at all. >> Okay. Are you trying to cash this in the Is there going to be a situation at the bank? >> No. >> No situation going on in the bank? >> I just walked out of there. >> Okay. You have an idea on who wrote the check? >> Um what's the situation going on in that bank? >> There was a lot of arguing going back and forth. >> Oh my god, I swear. >> That's what we're just trying to figure out. >> No, no, I promise you. I got a call because I have to go, and I am not They literally told me I can't They have to call the owner, and I left. I told them I'll get another form of payment, and I was out. >> All right. >> It's with me. >> It's with you? Okay. >> Let me explain to you what happened. >> Yes. like >> She went to another branch. >> Uh-huh. >> And she tried to cash this check that's the same that we have here. We kept this one. And we called the customer. And they don't know about anything about this. >> Okay. >> So, she's trying again. >> All right. >> The teller showed the officer the check in question, as well as an email they received from another branch where the woman had tried another scam earlier that day. She tried to cash the very same check at the branch on 5th Avenue. After being denied at that branch, the bank sent a warning out to others. >> I mean, I got I wasn't even arguing with them, like that. >> I guess I Sometimes things come over the radio a lot different and then in the whole situation is >> They didn't even They told The lady went to the bathroom. >> So, what were you trying to do in there? >> I just went to cash my check and that's it. >> So, you tried to cash your check? >> Yeah, but I I got given a check to pay to pay. That's it. And then and she told me I can't and I just was like >> Okay. >> She gave me my IDs and my card and I walked out and I came here and then you guys came saying that I was causing a scene which that was not >> you went in, tried to cash a check and then they said you can't do that. >> She told me they have to call the owner to verify. >> Uh-huh. >> Literally, I sat down and waited. And she came on, told me no. Oh, no, the gentleman told me no. And I said, "Okay." And then he was like, "Oh, I said, "Can I have my check back?" And he said, "No, we have to keep it." >> Okay. >> And then I said, "Okay, I'll get I'm going to go That's fraud. It's a check made out to me, paid for. So, I just came in here cuz I don't have an account with them. I used my business debit card to show my two forms of ID which >> The woman said she'd been dropped off and was still waiting to get picked up. In these check fraud cases, it's a pretty common pattern. The person supplying the check drives the suspect around trying to cash as many checks as possible as fast as they can. But the moment they see the cops, they abandon the suspects and leave them behind to face the consequences. >> Where's the person that's picking you up? >> Well, that's the thing. I'm calling them because they have to go somewhere else. So, I'm I don't know like I don't I didn't know this was going to happen right now. So, I'm calling to get a Uber while they go or pick someone else up. >> Have that guy come back here that's picking you up. >> No, I Well, I don't have that. So, I I don't have that option cuz they're leaving because they held me up. So, when I left, I was like, "Okay, I'll come out and >> Of course. >> That's fine. I did not make a scene or did not fight with anybody in there. >> And you said she did this at another branch, too? Was this where you got the picture of the check? >> Yes, 5th Avenue. >> 5th Avenue, South? >> Yes. >> Today? >> Yes. >> So, she tried this This is the second 5th search she tried today. She did it over there at 5th Ave. They denied it. She sent it They sent out like a hey, bolo, watch out. She came here to try to do the same thing. So. >> Okay. >> Once the supervisor got there, the teller explained the issues with the check and also filled him in on the bolo warning. The teller also confirmed they'd already contacted the company that supposedly issued the check. >> And then you guys said you contacted these people and they have no idea about the check. >> Yes. They were We verified with the business signer that he did not recognize this person. >> Okay. >> And the amount. >> Okay. >> I'm a freaking hungry. I have to go to the bathroom, too, so I can >> All right. All right. Who are you calling right now? >> No, I'm on the phone with my people. I'm waiting to see what to do and I'm also on the phone back and forth. I have people calling me cuz they're waiting on me. And I'm not answering. >> Well, let's put the phone down first and then I'll tell you exactly what they told me to do. All right? >> Okay. >> So, first I'm going to take you to put your hands behind your back. I'll explain everything right now. I'll explain everything, all right? So, pretty much you're being detained because you tried to forge give a forged check or something like that. I'm going to take [music] off the watch just to make sure. >> So, you tried to pass a fraudulent check? >> Pretty much. >> Well, that's what we're figuring out. >> That's what we're trying to figure out right now, all right? >> The suspect started complaining about her handcuffs and as one of the officers tried to adjust them, they began pressing the woman for more information. The cops were far more interested in who'd given her the check and how the fraud operated than they were in arresting [music] her. >> Where did the check come from? I was paid by an owner to to get you know, a job. That's not something that I This has never happened to me. >> What do you do for work? >> We paint. >> You paint? >> Are you guys sure that this is real? >> Yeah. >> No, this is This >> We're just going to have you sit in the back of my car right now, all right? Uh do you want to just give her Yeah. >> So, how from here I get I sit in the car or >> We're we're going to talk to you about everything, all right? Like I said, once we we figure out the full situation, we're going to we're going to let you know, all right? >> Okay, but I'm not going to school. >> You have any weapons on you? Anything that's going to stick me, poke me? >> Can you get my glasses, please? >> Yeah, we'll get What What kind are your glasses, all right? >> I'm not going to lie, the left one is a little bit tight on me. >> Okay. We'll do all that, all right? >> Well, I have to tell you, ma'am, they're not meant to be comfortable uh bracelets. >> know. I've never been in handcuffs in my life. >> All right, that's cool. >> All right. >> All right, going to have you sit in the back of >> Just have a seat back here, all right? Like I said, once we figure everything out, I'll talk to you, all right? Just have a seat for now. All right, so Listen, let's just Like I said, you're being detained right now. You know they do it in the movies and TV shows I got to read you your rights first, right? Now, I'mma start All right, you ready? You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. >> After securing the suspect in the squad car, the officer read her rights. But by that point, she realized she was getting arrested one way or another and decided she was done answering questions. >> Having these rights in mind, are you wanting to answer any of my questions? >> you're telling me to do. There's nothing >> You don't want to answer any questions then, huh? >> I answered all of your questions and I'm still sitting here. >> All right. >> I mean, that's very long, right? >> All right, so you don't want to answer any more questions? >> No, I need to figure out what is happening to me right now before I I I'm I'm I'm in here not knowing any of this as much as you, so >> Well, we just explained that you were in you're in cuffs right now because of some possible fraudulent checks that you were trying to cash. >> That's a problem. >> That is the reason why, like I said, you're in these cuffs, so >> Did you try to cash another check today? >> No. >> No? >> No. >> Okay. Like I said, that's the reason I'm being you, so if we could get your side of the story, then that's the whole reason I read this. So, do you want to answer questions, yes or no? Like I said, we got to figure out what's going on first. >> So, can I just make a phone call? >> All right, not right now. Like I said, if you answer some more of our questions, then by all means. Like I said, the questions could help your situation. No? You don't want to talk? All right, no problem. >> As the investigation wrapped up, the cops confirmed that the two checks they found on the woman were drawn on two different accounts and belonged to two different people. Neither one of the account owners had any knowledge of the woman or any idea about the checks. They charged the woman with uttering a false check. On the 9th of October, 2024, a man walked into a bank to cash a check and started chatting with the bank teller and the manager. He had no idea they'd already called the authorities and they were just stalling [music] the man till the cops arrived. >> Hey, not much. Just here to figure out what's going on. You have a place we can go? >> Yeah, we can go into this office up here. >> Oh, yeah. Just go and have a seat, sir, so I can talk with her and maybe figure out what's going on here. >> Yeah, I I'm the banker. I was paged right after and they said that anytime >> Well, I don't know what to tell you. You're being detained until we figure this out, okay? No, you're you're being detained unless you want to go in cuffs in back of my car till I can figure it out. I'd like you to have a seat in there. Okay? Appreciate it. >> Once they got the suspect seated in the office, the teller and the manager explained the various issues they'd encountered with the check. The check had been altered severely and the perpetrator had not done a very good job at [music] it. >> It looks like the check was worn like you tried to wash it. Well, the original amount is underneath the now written amount and there's writing over top. Actually, you can kind of barely slightly see health underneath. If you hold it in the light, you can see the $100 that was written previously, too. >> Okay, I understand. So, he's he's taking this >> If you hold it in the light, you can see what we originally wrote in 100 and this is not a real signature. >> Mhm. Mhm. >> And it says Mary Heath William Blair. >> Have you contacted her? >> I did contact her and um she said that it was supposed to be from Mary Heath checkbook, the check number 174 was be Mary Heath William Blair. And this phone number is not real. They had that written down, that's not the um contact number we have for that customer, so the phone number is fake. And her signature is completely off. >> It's actually the wrong last name. It's Donna Grimes, not Donna Summers. >> The account owner confirmed she was on her way to the bank to sort things out. In the meantime, the officer sat down with [music] the suspect trying to get down to the bottom of the scam. Before asking any questions, they read the man his rights. >> Knowing your rights, you want to talk to me about this check? >> I mean, I got this What, yesterday? >> Okay. Is that Is that a yes or no? >> I'm sorry. >> Is Is that a yes or no? Do you Do you wish to talk to me? >> to you a little bit, but uh >> Okay. Where'd you get this check at? >> Uh, some lady and her son. >> Who Who's this some lady and her son? >> Her son bought a car off me. >> Yeah. >> And uh >> 105 Boulevard, where I live. >> So, you're you're claiming that >> This is what I'm telling you. >> Okay. Okay. So, you're telling me >> Yeah. >> What was the guy's name that bought the car off you? >> Uh >> Okay. >> Well, I mean, obviously it wasn't her. He It's for him, but >> Okay. >> She Well, it's for him, but she bought it or whatever. I mean, it's her name. >> And he he gave you this He gave you this check for this amount. >> [music] >> Him and Him and her were both present. >> Do you bank here? No. No, but >> You're just trying to cash it. >> [music] >> Huh? >> Just trying to cash it here. >> Right. She They said they >> Where do you bank? >> I bank at the Woodforest with my account. >> The suspect, William Blair, said he'd sold his car to a man named Andrew, [music] a taller white man with brown hair. Considering William claimed he'd been bugging [music] him for months, it was a very vague description. The car in question was an Oldsmobile Cutlass, which in the muscle car community is a sought-after classic. >> I did I did a lot of work to that car, you know. >> Uh-huh. >> I mean >> Was this title in your name? >> I don't know. >> Mr. Blair, this didn't add up. It didn't It's not adding up at all. >> What do you mean? >> Well, you tell me you sold a car that wasn't yours. >> It It was mine. It was mine, but it wasn't my >> You didn't have a title to it. You didn't have a title to it. That's what I want to know. >> a friend. >> Okay. So, it's not your car. >> It was my car. My wife passed away, okay? >> Okay. So, was it It was still in her name? Okay. So, >> Well, I know I know that wasn't me. You know >> What's your wife's name? >> Nikki Blair. >> Nikki Blair? Cuz we can check and see who >> Well, go ahead. >> if if she had a title to it. >> Go ahead. >> Cuz what's [music] what's interesting is this doesn't say for car. This is for. >> Right. But that's the title. I know, but I've done jobs for her, too, though. >> So, where does Donna [music] live? >> Huh? Where's who? >> Where does Donna live? >> I don't know. They said Lake Worth. >> At times, the man's cover story sounded somewhat credible, but then he'd get confused about things he should clearly know. As the officer dismantled things piece by piece, the man grew visibly upset, but he stuck to his original story. >> I didn't write the check, and I didn't get the cash to do it. Did I do wrong? >> No. >> I mean, somebody paid me for something I came in here to try to cash. >> out. We would like to speak to whoever gave this to you. Who is that person? >> I would like you to speak to him right now. >> Who is that person? >> I just told you >> Oh, wait. No. >> I just told you all I know. >> You probably communicated with him with your phone. >> Not him. I just said I had his name on a title and he gave it to me. >> Yeah, I'd like to have the name and phone number so we can contact him. Well, you will. >> Okay. As soon as I walk out of here. >> As soon as you what? >> As soon as I walk out of here. >> Okay. Um we're going to get this straightened out now. At At point, you're suspected of have trying to cash a fraudulent check. >> Until we can prove otherwise. Until we can prove otherwise. >> Well, she comes here and says she didn't write that, somebody else wrote it, and I didn't know that I get >> Yeah. >> Then I get charged for it? >> Well, we're going to deal with it. >> How do I get charged for it? >> Well, yeah, I don't know. We're trying to run down your story, and you're giving us stories. We're going to >> I'm not giving you a story. >> Seeing that the man was getting irate, the officers pressed him even more. He was confronted with the fact that the check was severely altered, and they hoped it might motivate the man to tell the truth. >> Did you alter that check in any way? >> I did not. I didn't I'm telling you, sir, I did not. >> Cuz that check's been altered. That that check's been altered since it's been written originally. >> Yeah, I mean How would I know that though? I mean, I don't know. >> Well, I mean >> I'm just asking. >> There's three names on that check. Three different names on that check. >> Three different? >> Yeah. >> You can tell where the one >> The account holder and the the the the person that's signed the check at the top, and the person that signed the check at the bottom, is all three different names. None of which have you mentioned. >> No, see, I mean, can you show me that? Look look on the other side Look on the far side of the layer. You can tell where it's been I mean, you're telling me because you sold a car I I understand I understand what you're saying. We're I know, I understand what you're saying. >> You understand why this >> Look, I used to teach flooring. >> You what? >> to teach flooring, and I do flooring sometimes. >> What's that have to do with a car? >> Hey, you ain't got to be a smart >> No, I'm I'm just >> I know, but and I told you I sold a car, and I sold a car. I'm not lying to you. I'm telling you what I did. >> So, you're telling me these funds are to be used to satisfy >> Don't act like I'm lying to you. >> The more the officers pressed, the more his story shifted. Whenever the cops tried to nail down who the supposed buyer was, Williams started stalling. He eventually remembered that after all, the man's name wasn't Andrew, it was actually Aaron. And then he remembered that regardless, Aaron had a nickname. >> Well, I've never actually even called him Aaron. >> Okay. >> You got to do it. I'm just mad at you, for real. >> Okay. So, you haven't known him very long. >> No, no, not long at all. >> All right. Go and turn around, put your hands behind your back. >> drink first? Can I get something >> You can get something to drink out of jail, okay? >> I need something to drink, man. My tongue, my throat >> Okay. Go and turn around, put your hands behind your back, buddy. >> I need something to drink, man. For real, I can't get something to drink? >> I thought I seen it was on your other hand. It's on the other three right here. >> So, I tried to call the number you gave for Aaron, and it says all lines are busy. Please try again later. So, I I tried it several times. >> Like I said, I had >> Then, I called the number on the memo line, >> [music] >> that telephone number that's written there. >> Yeah. I come back to a guy at a Green Dot. Man, I don't know >> Who doesn't know you, who doesn't know the the check bearer. >> don't know. I just know that they gave me that blank check. You know what [music] I mean? I didn't know what to do with anything. You know what I did. >> Okay. I'm going to keep trying to get a hold of Aaron. Um but in the meantime, you're under arrest for uttering. >> This is [ __ ] man. >> Have a seat, man. >> Since both of the phone numbers turned out to be a dead end, and there was no trace of Aaron or anybody else who might corroborate things, the cops had no choice but to arrest the man. They booked William, and he was later charged with forgery. There are various red flags that can make a bank teller suspicious. One, for example, is trying to withdraw an unusually large amount of cash. On the 1st of February, 2023, in Orlando, Florida, a woman tried to withdraw nearly $40,000 from Navy Federal Credit Union. An officer working on site was immediately notified, and within minutes, backup was on its way. >> That's in the normal lobby, the one that's [music] got the people I need to speak to, the brother box shop. She got this check. So, just under $40,000. She deposited it via phone. This morning, mind you, this was done on the 30th. Right, the 30th or the 31st? >> 30th. >> Okay, so like 2 days ago. >> Monday. >> Which means the check probably is not going to clear in 2 days, right? So, she goes to two ATMs, deposits or withdraws $1,000 each. She then goes to Kissimmee branch and withdraws $20,000. She then comes here and is wanting to clear out the rest of the account, which is equivalent to what? >> $17,000. >> $17,000 and some probably some change. Um they called the bank obviously because of the large amount of money to verify whether or not this check is legit. They said no, [music] it's a fraudulent check. They don't have a She's not their client. Um they said they had a a fraud um from their business where a whole bunch of checks were stolen or information. They don't have a check that starts with that account number. >> What are you >> Ma'am. >> It's 4020 now. I was putting it in. >> We're just detaining you right now. You know I'm nervous. We're just detaining you until we have more information. >> Okay. >> With the suspect detained, a detective was called to the scene from the financial crimes unit. The check in question had a simple but glaring issue. In the memo section, it said it was for settlement proceeds, but it was a payroll check according to the top part. It was now up to Detective Jackson to find more out about the scheme. >> I'm Detective Jackson. I work with the financial crimes division. Okay. Um before I speak to you today, I'm just going to read you your because you're detained and by law, we have to read you your constitutional rights, okay? Tell me, how did you get involved into this whole scheme? >> I was in a wreck. Someone walked up to me. They seen what happened. They're like, "Oh, we seen what happened. I'm a lawyer and I can help you get, um, you know, right compensation. If you try to go through the insurance provider, it's going to You're not going to get that much." So, I was like, "Okay, I trust you." Um, we talked about it, went to the the office. I think it was Lipton. And that was it. He didn't It wasn't like anything. And I'm in handcuffs now, so I'm worried. >> How long ago was this? >> Uh, about December. Um right before Christmas. >> Okay. >> The woman claims she provided all her information to a lawyer named John Lipton. Then, after a few days, she got a check in the mail for $40,000. As far as the detective went, she knew that insurance settlements don't happen that easily, and she noticed some real inconsistencies [music] in the suspect's story. >> So, where did Where did your crash occur? Maybe not the road, but what city? >> It was in Shh. I don't know the city. I just know it was Michigan. I just really don't know the city. I was using Waze. >> Okay. >> [music] >> Did you have a police report? What about the other >> and was saying that he could get it done. He did, you know, that he saw a verbal witness. He's like, "Ma'am, I saw >> So, what happened at the time? >> With the accident? I was going straight. Um God, I really can't name the streets. I was going straight. Um, I had the right of way. It was a green light. The car turned and hit me, um, in my Chevy. It's a 2015 Chevy. It hit me from the left side. And I was like, "Oh, my back hurts." When he heard he's like, "That's perfect. That's all we need." And he's going to do all the communication, everything for me. I didn't have to do anything. >> The woman claimed that the supposed lawyer seemed credible and that she trusted him. She'd given him lots of information like her social security number, date of birth, her address, and even her Navy General account. What was even weirder was that she worked for an insurance company, so she should have been able to recognize all [music] these serious red flags. >> What do you do for a living? >> I work at Progressive. I'm a customer service rep. >> Progressive Insurance? Okay, so you typically know how accidents work. >> I don't do claims. You don't do claims? I just help them get a policy or change coverages or take any payments. >> Okay. Do you have any settlement paperwork from the accident? Nothing. You just received the check in the mail. Have you been in communication with this guy? Not recently. See? >> This was a leap of faith. Since December I haven't heard anything and then here comes a check in the mail. >> Did you receive any medical treatment for anything from the accident? >> No. >> And just you received a check in the mail and you thought that it was legit. >> He looked Yeah, I didn't think anything was wrong with it and then it cleared after being on hold, so I thought it was okay. >> Okay. >> [music] >> Well, Miss Adams, I'm going to be completely honest with you, okay? I investigate a lot of these cases and I know for sure what you're telling me is not the complete truth. And what I'm doing right now is giving you the opportunity to be truthful. >> Like in most of these cases, the detective here was less interested in the suspect, Miss Adams, and was more concerned about who'd orchestrated the scheme. When people are caught with these fraudulent [music] checks, generally, it's just ordinary people who needed money. They're just pawns in the game for the real masterminds. >> If I could please just give it all back and then wait for them to say that it's clear. I would I would really do that. Cuz this is scary. I'm being honest. >> Well, if I'm being honest with you, um yeah, all of this is scary and it is um quite suspicious. Okay? Does this look familiar to you? What I'm showing you is a copy of the check that you deposited into your account. Does this look familiar? >> Yeah, my name is So >> You still have the copy of this? >> I don't anymore. Yes. >> You still have the copy? >> Mhm, I didn't throw it out. >> Did you look up this law firm? >> I Googled it and it came back. That's what made me trust them, too. It came back to It just said Lipman Law. Like it had a website and like and reviews. >> But he didn't give you a business card, so how do you know that there could be 20 Lipman Laws around here? >> I don't know what you mean. >> 20 20 22 >> Yes, too not even trusting. I'm not. I don't have a business card and I do Tik Tok business pretty well. >> The detective then pointed out to her all the issues in her story. First off, there was no police report for the serious accident she claimed to have been in. And second, as someone who works for an insurance company, she should have recognized immediately that the arrangement with the lawyer seemed sketchy. Even worse, Lipman Law was a real law firm, but they had never even heard of her. >> Now that I'm in cuffs, I I really feel like okay, maybe But at the time it just it all really seemed like it. Like I didn't And then once the hold went through, I really didn't think anything of it. Like the hold went through, the bank verified the funds, so I just came in today. >> Yeah, it's it's an account, but it's not an account. You're You're not even We called Lipman Law. You're not even a customer or a client of them. >> They don't even know me. >> And you have nothing to prove that. And you have nothing to prove that you been in contact with this guy and you didn't verify anything. So, I just question me are you being completely honest with me? >> I swear my mom really passed away 2 years ago. I wouldn't I wouldn't dare make her turn over in her grave. >> The detective kept pressing Ms. Adams to reveal who had given her the check. According to her, it came in a white envelope with no sender's address. No matter how much the detective tried, it was hard to find out the real culprits. >> Yeah, it looks bad on you. >> It looks very bad on me. I'm not that type of person. I'm really not. >> And you seem like a very nice young lady who doesn't seem to be getting wrapped up into this. My question is >> I wouldn't. No, I knew that it was coming. >> Did someone approach you about making money? >> approach me about it. They saw what happened. Saw the accident. >> Yeah, but you didn't report it to the police. Is your car damaged? Did you report those damages? Why not? >> Cuz he said if you settle, you don't have to do all that. Like that's why you settle so that person doesn't have to >> But you have no evidence. You can tell me who else is involved. Cuz I know it's not just you. Like I said, I investigate these cases a lot. >> I know, so it looks suspect. I'm a black woman. I got locks in my head. Like it just looks bad, but I swear I did not know that I was going to get blamed. >> say that that because I I look just like you. >> I don't look like they don't. >> I'm telling you from my experience what I have investigated. And there's many people from all walks of life. And what I'm trying to convey to you is that this is a part of a whole scheme. And we get this all the time. >> At first, the suspect stuck to her story. However, they charged the woman with scheme to defraud, grand theft of $20,000 or more, and fraudulent use of personal ID. Ultimately, after giving the cops information about others involved in the scam, she was sentenced to 5 years probation. When a man who was claiming to be a big-shot music video producer walked into a Brightstar Credit Union branch in Hollywood, Florida, and tried to withdraw a large sum of cash, the bank employees there flagged the transaction and called the police. The moment he saw the cops approaching, he bolted for the exit. >> [music] >> The suspect was acting like he had no idea what the fuss was about and was trying to say he was the victim and one of his clients had tricked him. As far as the officer went, he didn't want to reveal anything yet, and he seemed very interested in what the suspect had to say. >> Do you have an idea what it [music] could be? >> What? No, cuz I'm I came here cuz I do film. So, I'm coming here to get >> [music] >> a deposit from the client so I can go put down and buy all my all my stuff that I need so we can shoot. So, again, you know, of course we're supposed to be in my room. money the bullets [music] and whatever the case may be. And it's not like >> Female subject is 20 20 and custody for Charlie 14 4 >> I'm going to take this off. >> 10-4 at 1652. >> So, they have a music video for a song or whatever the case may be. You do the whole shoot. >> Yeah, so >> and put it together. >> I'll put it together. I self-contract people to either >> Everything >> other directors, [music] behind the scenes, and so forth. And then I got to rent the facility that we're going to use and everything. So, all that comes within the budget. >> If the suspect was telling the truth, his first instinct would have been to call his client and get things resolved right away. But instead, the man just stood there waiting to see how things would unfold. Meanwhile, the officer kept asking questions. >> How long have you been doing this? Um, about 14 years. >> [music] >> All right. Yeah, I've I've been in the game for like maybe Yeah, yeah. Wow. And you lived in Miami ever since like or you just bounced around? >> No, I live in Miami. If I bounce around, it's just like to go travel [music] for like a week or two or three. >> The first time something like this happened to you? [music] >> Um Not even like I've I've had people who hacked my account before and took money from me before. So. >> But nothing like where the police come and stop you. >> Yeah, no, no, no, no. Police come and stop [music] me. Like I got a clean record. I don't even play around with stuff like that. >> At one point or another, most [music] of these check fraudsters try to get sympathy from the cops. The suspect was no different. As he started talking about having a child waiting at home, a second officer stepped out of the office and redirected the conversation toward the failed transactions. >> I I was actually going to tell you that. I didn't say anything. >> Okay. >> [music] >> I was waiting on the deposit from the client. >> DCP dispatch 13 10-3. >> Oh, I don't know. >> That's the thing. See, the next thing is like, I don't know, you know, when you send somebody out, send them the budget. And like I told him, it had to happen at 10:00 to 10:30. And the people pulling money from my account and so forth. Because I don't know if it's a case where he actually [music] sent something his account, his account, his account. So, when I first came in, the client said that I'm going to send the money. >> The client said you were already there. >> No, this is the client that I don't I'm I'm the back end. So, I'm the back end. I do the film. I do the directing. >> [music] >> So, it's coming from somebody. I set up everything. Then I go out. I set up total I forgot my cell phone here. So, I need it for the the rental property. Yeah, so I need it for the rental rental property that we use, camera equipment, [music] and so forth. I don't know if I forgot some some contact. So, yeah. Like I was telling them, like I was telling them, I said, "Usually, I get cash in my bank account or I just have money. But I don't know where I just have it. You might be able to make and that way I can go out and book it. >> While the man's cover story was original, it was also pretty flawed. But no matter how much the cops pointed out the inconsistencies, he had a very quick response for [music] everything. Apparently, he was in a rush to get all the equipment and book the rentals he needed to start the supposed shoot for his music video. >> But that's what I'm saying. If you're waiting for a deposit, why do you have to come in and try to take money out of another account? >> Because I don't have a debit card for that. >> Yeah, but why would you have to take it if you expected me to send you money? Let me finish. Let me finish. If you expected me to send you money, >> Mhm. >> why would you go anywhere and try to take the money from if you're just waiting for the deposit? >> Because I have to go get stuff. >> Okay. >> That's >> Okay. >> I The fact that is they told me they said you can't come here and get a debit card. It takes 5 to 7 days >> But why would you need a debit card? >> Cuz I have to pay you. I have to put the money to use on a debit card. It doesn't have to be federal. I can't get a deposit. >> Okay, but why would you Why would you just wait for the money to show up? >> Cuz I have to go pay for everything now. That's what I'm saying. >> Go and get the money. >> Go pay for the stuff so that way I can get out of there. I have a headache. I don't like waiting around for like as far as like waiting. >> like a deadline for you to do whatever? >> Yeah, because prices fluctuate. >> It's going to be 10:19. >> When they asked the man why he was sent to withdraw the money personally, he said the client was living in a different state. Now, remember, just a call to his client could have cleared the whole mess up, but instead of calling his client, he went on spinning his story. >> I had to go pay for this. That's the only account that they said I had. So, my IRA pool. I'm going to come here. >> Right. >> Usually I use my Citibank or you money federal. >> Right. >> Or I just get cash. >> What's that? >> Right. >> But the fact of the matter is that because it's a large sum, I said, "Okay, [music] let me come here." He said that he could do it. >> Would it be the wire? >> And I talked to her. She said, "Yeah, if I do a wire, it's going to take from tomorrow night." I said, "Okay, but I got to get it done today because I need it so I can do something like that." Personally, they're paying me. I got to get it. >> Okay, but I get all of that. But if they don't send you the money, the stuff that they need just don't get done. Like how do you guys How do you inject yourself into that? >> Well, if I If I don't get the money, >> Right. >> because I'm the director and I I and I pretty much work with everything, >> Mhm. >> then no shoot. >> Okay, I got >> That's what I'm saying. Yeah. >> Okay, it's on It's their responsibility to get the money. >> Yeah, so it's my That's why I came in. >> No, it's their responsibility to make sure they have you. >> You got to give me the money. >> Right. >> But the fact of the matter is like I told him, the client don't live here. >> Well, look. >> I'm in Indiana. >> Indiana? >> Yeah. So, I like I said, I work with the future, money bag, and I do different stuff. I do with corporate clients and everything. So, not all my clients are based out of Miami. >> Indiana. >> So, this person was with uh somebody in Indiana? >> The person was supposed to be in Indiana, sending the money from Indiana. I don't know but again, like this is me opening a brand new account. I don't know where the money come from. I expect it to come from a client. >> As far as the legality of the issue went, the cops here were clearly out of their depth. But the fact of the matter was, the bank had flagged the issue as attempted fraud. The only option they had was to arrest the man and let their fraud investigators handle it. >> We're going to have to call somebody out. >> 10-13 for now. And you're just in >> It looks like It looks like our Yeah, it looks like >> All right. So, now we're just going to entertain you. >> you for a little bit until we until we sort this mess out just so we don't have to babysit you cuz we're going to have to do a lot of homework to make sure this is cuz >> Let me see what No. >> Well, can I just go out and sit cuz that's not >> No, you're going to have to go outside. >> May I put your hands in the back? Put your hands. So, the cuffs don't hurt you. >> So, what are they doing now? >> I don't know. Stop being a lawyer. How's that? >> What you making me stop for? No, I'm not I I I like keeping it real cuz this is my name. I don't have nothing on my back. I'm clean. You know what I'm saying? And for this to happen, it's like It's wild. Like I got a little kid at home. I don't need to tell you all this. >> Never arrested before? >> Never been arrested. >> CCT dispatch 13 area 2. All right. We're going to um You already have Yeah, we're we're going to we're going to let something work out. So, in order to keep you safe and secure, we're going to put you in the back of the car. >> Hey, quick question, dog. What happened? Can I get a light? I can't even sit on the curb with >> Yeah, but we don't be talking and stuff like that. So, there ain't going to be nobody really watching you. But when they come back out, we can try to get them to talk about there to talk to you. >> Try to put me in >> Eventually, the man was taken to jail and he was charged [music] with fraudulent transactions and grand theft. On the 17th of August, 2023, when an officer was dispatched to the Regions Bank, all he was told was that a fraud was in progress and that the suspect was a black female. They described the woman as having braided hair, a black t-shirt with a flower pattern, and polka dot pants. When the officer got there, it wasn't difficult to spot her. >> Can you remind me what your phone number I'm just confirming the location of the fraud. Turn around, put your hands on your back. Step out of the bathroom. Come on. This is just a detention. If it changes, I'll let you know. Give me your hand. Is somebody waiting for you outside to give you some money? I'm going to use an office. Um so, we have either one of these two here, the conference room or And I need to talk to whoever she was working with, also. This one's fine. Yeah, we'll figure it out. Yeah, same here. I'm going to need to, cuz um you write my name, you're going to see it. I don't have any identification Can you figure out a phone number? So, this right here just got me, too. I'm waiting for whoever she wants to talk to me. Okay. Where is the check you were trying to cash? They have it. They have it? Okay. Where's your ID? Is it in your bag? No, I have it. What? In your pocket or your in your bra. In my breast. Okay, can I grab it? >> She passed out at 9:48. >> I have a glove on. >> You got it. >> The teller told the cops that earlier that day, the suspect already cashed a larger check at the Dr. Phillips location. By that point, the bank had gotten in touch already with the company that supposedly issued the check. The company had no idea who the woman was, so they wanted her arrested and they were ready to press charges. >> So, this is a real company >> This is a real company. >> But they say that this is not their check. >> Correct. >> Okay. All right. Fair enough. Um we'll probably need to get some contact information from them or the phone call or whatever. >> I gave it to the um the the dispatcher. >> All right. We may or may not get it back here. We'll get it from you as well. >> Absolutely. >> All right. Then it's all right. Thank you so much. Good times. >> Do you want to keep that? >> Uh just for now we will. Okay. All right. >> All right. So this is just something that I have to read whenever something happens and we're investigating. I'm sure you know what it is. >> I know. >> All right. Nice. All right. Nice. >> What? >> Yeah. Okay. Can you tell me where you got the check from? >> It was mailed to me because of the the marketplace. So with me not putting my business actually out there cuz I don't use the typical everything when it's coming to my property or what I'm doing with my food or how I choose to help people, but marketplace he sent me the check. And all of the sudden I'm getting this. I live over here in Orlando. My ID says so. >> Okay. >> So this is [music] this is really something cuz I don't even have a record. This is crazy. >> You said marketplace like Facebook marketplace? >> Yes. >> Okay. Why is he sending you a check? >> Well because of the deposit that he was putting down for the renting of the space that he wanted. >> So you're a tenant or a landlord? >> I'm a tenant. >> Okay. The tenant of your property. >> Yeah. You know, trying to get some extra money. I'm trying to get a RV. Trying to get out of here. >> The suspect claimed that her renter, a man named Rudolph, had sent her the check. Supposedly, it was for a company he'd worked for and it was based in Indiana. What the officer wanted to know was why the woman didn't withdraw the entire sum at once. >> So they were saying that at the Dr. Phillips location, the Regions, you also cashed a different check. >> Well it's one and the same thing. This is is is literally a big check. So, cash in a big check in one walk. I don't have an account. Which is pretty difficult to do anyways when you trying to cash something so large. >> Okay. So, why didn't you cash both checks at one location? Why did you go all the way from Dr. Phillips to McCoy? >> Well, I'll do it anyways cuz it it it's it's not showing that you're trying to overdo it overbear with the taking the advantage of cashing so many checks cuz of so many people go in cash so many checks. They do so many things and things turn out wrong. So, I didn't want any mishaps or anything to happen. But, I didn't ever think that this would come across wrong. >> So, basically, the woman said she was trying to avoid looking suspicious while cashing so many checks at once. That being said, >> [music] >> the way the woman framed it was strange, like she was trying to be considerate toward the bank. And as far as the officer went, she [music] sensed that something was off. >> And you didn't think it looked weird or you didn't think that you were doing anything wrong, why didn't you just go ahead and cash them in the same location and not really worry about that if you're not doing anything wrong, I'm sure you should. >> Well, this is >> It looks wrong now. You're going to two different locations. >> Well, now, yeah, I see you, but I I've been doing this for years. That's why I'm like I go to three to however many I have to. Depending on the size of the check. >> So, when I call up Air Corp Demolition Corporate, are they going to have a guy named Rudolph that works there? And he's going to know all about you? Okay. Where Where do you stay at? >> Right here in Orlando Florida. >> Right here in Orlando Florida, okay. Can I ask you just a straight-up honest question? It's you I mean it's up you and again you're under Miranda, so you know that, but did did somebody borrow you or or rent or your like your ID or social security card any of your information or anything? Did they meet you like at the shopping center and say, "Hey, I'll give you money for for this that or whatever to use your social security card or your DL driver's license? >> No, but my account have been hacked six times. So, a lot of my info has gotten out and and tampered with. So, I'm still trying to get that straightened out right now. >> The suspect, later identified as Ms. Pope, thought she had an airtight story. However, things just weren't adding up. She admitted that Rudolph hadn't even seen the property yet and she didn't [music] have a lease in his name. He just sent the money as a deposit to make sure nobody else got it. The cops didn't believe a word of it for a second. >> So, I haven't seen it. But, I'm going to give you six times what you're asking for it. >> So, seeing it on >> [music] >> just camera view live >> Mhm. >> versus seeing live with your eyes. >> Right. >> That's something totally different. So, you want to make sure >> rent $750, I mean, you're charged first, last, and deposit. That's only like $2,300. So, you're just giving an extra 25 for >> to hold the space. >> There you go. >> Hold the space. Make sure nobody else gets it. >> you're throwing me an extra $2,500. >> [music] >> And if they would >> is this on the Facebook marketplace? Is it on the marketplace? >> Yeah, cuz you know, you can find a lot of stuff on >> Oh, yeah. >> Facebook's marketplace. >> Do you have him on Facebook on your phone? >> See, it's like one of those um incognito faces, but they'll talk to you through it. Like, I have I have one from uh for the RV that I was supposed to be getting off there and nobody gets to see it's that person's face. >> Whenever they asked Ms. Pope for more details about who sent the check, she found a way to get around it. If she was really the victim here, she should have been helping the cops to find the real culprits, but she seemed to be doing the opposite. >> Hey, so is that the conversation thread? >> Well, I don't know if it's there there, but >> Why would it show and she can go away? >> Well, depend on what they do, you know? It's Facebook. >> me that on your phone. They can delete it on their phone, but it's still on your phone. >> Well, uh so, you >> it listed now on Orange Street in Orlando for rent? >> Yeah. >> Cuz I'm not finding nothing in Orlando. >> No, it's there. >> This property, have you ever been in trouble with the law before? >> No. >> No, not at all? >> I understand. This is crazy. >> You did um So, never in 2015 or never in 2005, anything like that? >> No. >> No? >> I don't think I have this ticket or something. >> You never got arrested before? You never been arrested before? >> This is crazy. >> While they interviewed the woman, the owner of the business called in saying that just that morning $28,000 had been fraudulently withdrawn from their account. They'd never heard of the suspect, nor had they written her a check. They also explained that about 2 years ago they switched from blue to purple checks, which meant [music] the check used in the fraud was incredibly old. >> Ma'am, if I can ask you a question, um it's purely up to you whether or not you want to tell me or not. Is [music] um we we know that there's this is already being done it's already been done this morning it's being done currently there's somebody that's in another location that's being arrested as we speak by another agency. Um if you can if you want to tell me, is this something like this where somebody contacted you and said hey, this is what we we'd like you to do and you're kind of like a lower part of it, you know? Is that is that what happened kind of like what I said before or is it something different? >> No, it's a different factor that they said it was from the marketplace. So, >> Okay. So, you really don't have any idea who the person that gave you the check was, the blank check, right? >> That's all I'm like this mystery man now cuz they think people that have a style with them. Lies on lies on lies on lies. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. >> So, here I am. >> Yeah. And this is how this works. I mean, that's what I was saying before that this is how this works. And it's pretty pretty ingenious on their part, you know? Um because that way you're the one holding the bag like this, and they're the ones that, you know, take you took the risk at this and everything. Okay. >> After booking the woman in Orange County Jail, Ms. Pope admitted she'd been recruited on Facebook. So, they could stay in touch with the woman, they paid to reactivate her phone, and promised her a cut of the fraud. They ultimately charged her with grand larceny, forgery, using an altered bank bill note, and fraud by uttering a false instrument. When an officer casually popped into a bank on a Wednesday afternoon, he was actually responding to a fraud in progress. The suspect, still chatting to the employee, was caught completely off guard. She at first tried to act confused, but in a matter of minutes, one of the bank employees completely dismantled her story. >> Hello. How are you? >> Hi. >> What's going on? >> Um I was brought this check, and then I don't know what's going on. I don't know. I just came here just to cash it. So, I don't really understand what's really >> Now, you told me that you met somebody to pick up this check. >> No, I had somebody go and pick it up and go and get the check. I don't know you know, what's going on. >> Okay. She has taken this check to several of our other branches and gotten cash for this check. And so, we were notified that she was going in the area cashing this check. So, when she came in, we called you guys cuz the bank advised us to call you guys that she's gotten money for this check several times already. >> I'll talk to you out here real quick. You're detained right now, so you can't leave. Do you understand? >> The suspect claimed that she simply picked up the check and didn't know it was fraudulent. Apparently, she thought the cops were completely gullible and would believe that somebody just hands out free checks that people can cash anywhere they want. At that point, the cop [music] decided to talk to the employee in private. >> So, what she just told me was that she, a good friend of hers, told her about a job and that she got this job with this company, hadn't worked there for 30 days. And I said, "So, how did you apply for this job?" "Well, my friend told me about it." And I was like, "Right, your friend told you about it, but you still have to apply and get the job. So, how did you do that?" Then she starts talking to me about a food place across the street that she wants to go to. So, I'm like, just buying time while you guys get here, basically. >> Okay. Do you have the idea I'm giving you? >> I do. I can give it to you. >> Is it in the office? >> It's in the Yeah, it was. And I was trying to cash the check and I guess I don't know. She was saying that other banks came and notified her that I came and cashed checks and they called the police on me. I don't know. >> And she's tried to cash a check like this? >> Yes. >> How many other ones? >> I believe it was Silas, do you have the email up to see cuz I know she was at McDill, I know she was at Riverdale and I know she went to Bel Air because Bel Air's who emailed us. >> Yeah, I I didn't see the email. >> McDill, Bel Air and which other one? >> Rivergate. >> After getting all the necessary info, the officer then confronted the woman. He told her up front that things didn't look good for her and that at that point, her very best option was to be honest. >> I'm not going to employ to try and trick you or anything like that. I'm going to be honest with you about everything and that means you need to be honest with me about everything, right? Uh cuz right now, it's not looking very good for you. Um so, I think telling the truth on everything would be a good start. Um cuz right now, it seems like you haven't been truthful with the banks. Okay. Um Your first name's Asia? >> Mhm. >> Last name Ballinger? >> Mhm. >> He has your information, so I don't need to get that again. Why don't you tell me what's going on? >> Um I was I wanted to pick up those checks, and I was told that I was able to go and deposit them. Well, not deposit them, but go get money for them. That was all that I was told. Um I don't know the person who went and got the checks. I just know that they told them, "Hey, um she can go and get money out of those, you know, out of her account." Cuz I do have money inside of my account. I've never been in trouble before. Um I've never had any problems with the law, or any problems with the law. >> As far as the suspect went, it sounded like the woman hadn't thought any of this through. However, she was still willing to talk, which gave the cop an opportunity. He picked her answers apart one by one, hoping she'd eventually come clean. >> You're telling me >> No. >> that you're take you've taken three different checks, and this one will be the fourth, of a sum $3,750, that were just handed to you by a person you don't know. >> And I should have >> Hold on. I mean, who is the person that gave you the checks? >> I don't even know who they are. >> Well, where did you get the checks from? >> I don't know where they got the checks from. >> Well, where did you get the checks from? >> Oh, I met up with the person and >> Who was that person? >> I don't know. They just said their name was Joe. >> And what did Joe tell you to do with the checks? >> They just told me to like go to banks and cash them out and get money. And I was just like, "Well, I've never like done nothing like that before, you know, like I made I I work." >> Okay, how did you get in the contact with Joe? >> Um, through a third party. So >> Who was the third party? >> Just some girl who I had met like at a club. Um [music] >> What club? >> At Turbo. >> With every vague answer she gave, the officer responded with more questions. At one point, she said a girl named Britney talked her into cashing the checks, but she made sure it was packaged in a way that reduced her culpability. >> She didn't really say he do like bank fraud, but she was just he just help people get money. And you know, I had just had surgery on my sis and stuff like that. So, you know, I hadn't worked in probably like a couple months. I was doing Uber Eats and stuff. Um, I've had two car accidents, you know, where somebody has hit me and stuff like that. And I was like, you know, I really needed, you know, some money, you know, cuz it's been kind of hard not working, not having no money and stuff like that. And um, so, you know, I took her for her word for it, you know, um, and I thought that, you know, she was somebody who I could trust, even though I was drunk and I shouldn't trust somebody who I just met. And so, um, I didn't go and meet with him to get the checks. Somebody else had did and um they had just dropped them off. >> When they asked the woman where exactly she picked the checks up, she said she wasn't good with streets and couldn't recall the location. The only thing she did remember was they were left near a dumpster somewhere. It was an absurd explanation and the cop could barely keep a straight face. >> I'm not trying to go to jail. I'm not trying to >> So, let me run things back by you. It's not looking good. >> I understand. >> No, it's it's not looking good and Oh, let me let me finish. It's not looking good cuz right now, I don't really believe anything you're saying. Let's restart this whole interview here. Let's just restart because right now you are giving me the most amount of BS, and I'm trying to be as forthcoming and kind with you because right now this is probably one of the worst stories I've ever heard. So, let's start with Did you know those are fraudulent? >> No. >> Come on. >> Not that No, honestly >> There's four checks for $3,785. >> They They look They looked real to me. I mean, I see people with checks like that all the time. So, [clears throat] I really thought that they were real. Like, if I'm being honest, not that I I did. >> $3,785, and you got four of them. >> Right. >> Even if your best friend came up to you and said, "Hey, look at these checks. Look, they're $3,875. $3,785. You know what? I'm just going to make them out to you. Go cash the checks for me and get me the cash." >> make sense then. >> Get me the cash. >> And that don't make >> And now you're saying Joe and Brittany >> No, but then that's not making sense. >> Once the suspect realized that her story wasn't working, she turned a page. She admitted that it didn't seem plausible, but she was acting all surprised. It was like she and the officer just suddenly realized that someone was scamming her. At that point, the cop just pushed harder and confronted the woman about her lies. >> Not to mention, you know, the bank manager told me that you were telling her it was about some job. Come on. You are literally digging yourself a bigger hole right now than just being honest with me. Is there a person out there in the car waiting for you? My mom is Who's out there waiting for you? I mean the look on your face is saying it all right now. >> That's That's the dude. >> Who's the dude? >> I don't know his real name, but he go by Dread. I don't know his his real government name. Like that's the honest truth. I don't know his real >> Who is Dread? >> Dread just d r e a d. >> Dread, like Dreadlocks? >> Mhm. I don't know his real government >> Hey John. >> Yeah. >> Is that car still out there? >> No, it left. >> Okay. Is that >> He left you. >> Eventually, the suspect broke down. She confessed that her friend Aliyah introduced her to a man she knew as Dread. She was instructed by Dread to open a bank account and to cash checks across multiple locations. Out of a total of $15,000, she was supposed to get four grand. She instead got to go to the jailhouse where she was charged with uttering forged checks. It just goes to show, once the cops show up and you don't expect them, there's no scam out there that's foolproof. Thanks for watching yet another hidden file. If you liked our video, then hit that subscribe button so you don't miss the next one. We'll see you next time.