Wednesday, June 26, 2024

‘Bait & Switch’ scam leaves OKC gold business out thousands

UPDATE at 7:35 pm: Oklahoma Police say a officer on the Carbondale Police Department in Illinois has positively recognized this suspect. The suspect can be mentioned to have instances in Illinois. Stay with KFOR together with your newest updates.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The outdated “Bait and Switch” scam has left one Oklahoma City business out $21,000 after a person ran off with the money – and so they say the alleged crime was caught on surveillance cameras.

Officials at Dakota Financial Precious Metals say the person walked as much as the window with one bag that had counterfeit jewellery and one other that had 14 karat gold jewellery.

Taylor Beard, a diamond purchaser, initially confirmed the bag of 14 karat gold jewellery was actual and provided $20,000. 

- Advertisement -

“He fills out the receipt and tells me that he thought I said $28,000. I told him, ‘No, sir, I did not.’ So, he gives our money back and we give him his jewelry. And he then says, ‘Well, will you do $21,000?’ Which was more reasonable. And I told him, ‘Yes, we could do that.’ And that’s when he hands us back the fraudulent bag of jewelry that he switched out and walked out the door with our $21,000 cash,” mentioned Beard.  

They regarded similar, and at one level, he was capable of make the swap. 

“When I dumped out the bag, I knew immediately it wasn’t the same stuff,” mentioned Beard.

- Advertisement -

That jewellery was completely nugatory. 

The police report reveals the suspect allegedly didn’t have any ID on him, so the business had him write down his private information, which was false information. 

“If they don’t have an ID present, which is not uncommon, they’re required to fill out all their personal information,” mentioned Beard. “And we take that on in good faith that they’re putting the correct information on the receipt.”

- Advertisement -

Gary Knight with the Oklahoma City Police Department mentioned persons are arising with new, elaborate methods to steal cash.

“Often do is we see these baits, but with jewelry like this, not that often, it’s normally cash we see. But this was certainly a more sophisticated attempt when he came in with it in a bag and had something that looked very similar to it,” mentioned Knight. “It’s just important to prevent becoming a victim in this type of a crime. Take your time, make sure everything is correct.”

Beard tells KFOR she’s grateful after 19 years on the business, she nonetheless has her job. 

“I was devastated. You know, being here, as long as I have, that somebody would do that to me and not knowing that I wouldn’t lose my job over that. You know, not even taking that into consideration,” mentioned Beard.  

The business purchased ink pads and would require prospects to take their thumbprint if they don’t have an ID.  

Aside from the clear video, the one different clue to the suspect’s identification is he was seen leaving a more recent mannequin, sports-type SUV.  

If you realize who this man could also be, name Oklahoma City Crime Stoppers for an opportunity at a money reward. Your nameless suggestions may earn you as much as $1,000. 

If you’ve got any information please submit a tip to Crime Stoppers, or name 405-235-7300.   

submit credit score to Source link

More articles

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Latest article