On August 22nd, 2025, bank reps contact police after 54 year old Shawn Blakeman attempts to cash a fake check worth over $4500. However, within minutes, he manages to convince multiple officers that he is the victim in this case. >> Hello. >> Hi. So now you have a check he's been receiving these checks in the mail and I we suspect it's from the same person. >> Okay. >> Um and this is what it looks like. But I mean we just explained if he tried to put that in his account and send it to whoever the recipient is that the check would not only be returned but then the money that they sent, you know what I mean? He negatives. So, um, we're just trying to explain to him that it's fraudulent pretty much because he keeps receiving these checks, a lot of them. >> Why would you think they sent you this check? Did you do any work? I mean, for them. >> So, what was why do you think you're getting them now? Why would they send you that much money? >> She said I was uh consider her fiance. >> Do you know who they are? >> Didn't you say she wanted you to sell a house for her or something? No one else. >> Okay. So, >> yeah. Nobody's going to send you a check like that just because it's either you're going to be doing work for them and then they're going to pay you for your service. So, this has happened a lot. So, if we deposit that check, Sean, and he comes back, the bank is going to close your account, meaning we cannot reopen that account because we talked to you about it. >> We've seen this before. >> Okay. So, um, >> so like they were asking like what makes you think >> that like do you know these people? Do you know where this this is actually coming from? [Music] >> It has an envelope from the last check he received. I scanned it. There's a there's a totally different address on there as well. >> Okay. So, basically, he's been receiving multiple um checks in the mail, and every time that he's tried to um deposit them, they've obviously not gone through and they're trying to just inform him that this is fraudulent. >> Mhm. >> Why is he Why are you receiving the checks? >> I don't know. >> You don't. So, so you just you don't know these people. Somebody sending you a check and you're just from the cash. >> Well, she said it was her fiance. >> Who was her? >> Who is she? Who you referring to? >> Where are you? >> So, somebody [Music] that you don't know. >> Mom. Well, I know her. >> How do you know her? What's her relation to you? >> She's a real good friend. >> For how long? >> How long have you met this person? >> No. >> So, have you met them online? >> No. >> Well, yeah. 15year-old >> on Facebook, Instagram. Huh? It's a dating app. >> Dating. Yeah, >> it's a dating app. Okay. So, so a young lady that you met on the dating app is sending you checks to cash in your name. And what does she want you to do with those checks? >> She wants you to get um Apple cards, >> right? And send them to her. >> Yeah. >> Right. So, they're scamming you. This is a scam. Okay. So, and that is probably a fake profile. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, how long have you been receiving these checks? [Music] >> This is the only check. >> This is the last one that he brought and it seems like these they're made out to from real companies. It's almost like they >> Yeah, they can make these checks. >> And I dealt with a lot of this in the keys. >> Um, and then there's another address here. And this address is pretty. >> Yeah. So this this is this is just a scam. So what they do is they contact multiple people. They build a relationship and a rapport with you and then they tell you, "Hey, do me a favor. Can you cash this check and send me back the check and gift cards?" >> And then they take those gift cards because that money overdrafts your account once they find out that the check is fraudulent. The you are have the burden of paying that money back because you've already taken that money and given it to them. So it's a scam. So you're probably not talking to a female. It's probably just somebody using her as a friend. >> Okay. >> So, what we do is >> insurance first and that's me and I sign. >> What we do is we take the checks, take the envelope, we do take an initial and forward it up to most likely. >> It's very hard to track because they you're doing it and they usually do it through the mail. Okay. She >> this is her. >> One officer, having recently dealt with a similar scam, begins to buy more into Shawn's story and even convinces the other that he's the victim. >> When you click on Rose's profile, where did you get her number from? From Zingi? >> No, I got it from uh your account, too. Did you cash the check already? >> No. >> Okay. The first check that he deposited, did you cash it? >> No. >> Okay. So, he has he's not out any money, right? >> No. >> So, the bank would be the victim, not him. >> Okay. >> He's just a complaintant. >> We just we I was just collecting these just in case like some I don't know. I just I just had pictures just in case. Like >> So, nobody's out any money. No, >> he didn't get It's right. And you and you guys didn't cash it. It didn't go through. So really there's there's really no victim activity. Okay. >> We just kind of wanted somebody to explain to him further what's going on. I kind of tried to explain it and so did Renee, but we just wanted cuz I know you guys have had a lot of experience with this. So we kind of just wanted to talk to him a little bit just to inform him that >> this is what they do. You know what I mean? >> All right. >> So no one's out of there's no exchange of funds. So you're you're technically not a victim. You're just being scammed over the phone really. and they're sending you these things. Thank god the bank was able to catch it so that you you weren't out of the money. Um if the bank was out of the money and they had to reimburse themselves, then the bank would be considered the victim, not you because the bank is covered by the FDI. So they're the ones that have to, you know, recoup those funds. So, but being that nobody is out of the money, it's really just anformational report, possible scam alert that people are, you know, this is very common. and they meet people through dating websites. They butter you up. I had a lady down south that was out $2 million. So, this is definitely a like a live thing. Be careful on these dating sites. That's why I asked you if you ever met this person in in person or like in real life. So, um >> you know, like I said, good job on the bank and good job for bringing it here, reporting it. Don't go to >> if you get another check. If you get another check, just bring it to the police station and let them know that I keep receiving these checks and it's fraud. Do not attempt to cash them. So, >> ATM they're trying to send it to the ATM. >> Yeah. Because if it goes through the ATM, the ATM will some some banks have that automatic deposit and then they'll catch it later and then you're out of the money. That's why they don't want you to talk to someone because they're going to live see that this check is coming back fraudulent where ATM is just a computer. It's going to push it through. Think it's real. >> So that's why they tell you don't mobile deposit checks from people that you don't need. >> I feel like it's good explanation pretty much. >> Um, you have all his information. >> Oh. >> Um, >> do you by chance have your ID, which be the easiest way to >> I do have my ID, but I can tell you basically everything you want to know. And what's a good contact number for you, sir? Okay. >> Is the other one a >> home number? >> Okay, perfect. >> No problem. Have a great day. [Music] >> Good morning. >> Good morning. How are you? >> Do you have a card or anything? >> Awesome. >> Here you go, sir. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, and I believe I was asked already, but I just want to verify. How long have you been receiving these checks? >> Over the course of give or take how long? >> 6 months. >> 6 months. >> Maybe less. >> Okay. So, you've gotten loads of them just kind of >> This is This is the second one now, right Sean? Has she sent you anything else? >> No. >> Is this the purse? >> Yeah, that's the envelope with the with the address. It's kind of hard to see, but it looks like it came from a Walmart. >> The address [Music] Salt Lake City. >> Oh, yeah. And then this one was Yeah. So, I mean, one's coming from Salt Lake City and one's coming from Delaware, you know, so completely different areas, different sides of the country. >> I got the old globe. >> You do. You do have this one. >> Yeah. Old check. Yes. >> Okay. >> Oh, there it is. >> Thank you. Walmart. >> Okay. So, do you know anybody in Utah? So, that's where that's coming from. This one. And then that one, like I said, is coming from Delaware. >> Okay. [Music] >> Yes, I do. >> Actually, she said she's from Canada. >> Okay. So that's something we got out of, >> right? Not even remotely close to either one of those places. >> Okay. >> And the address on your license, that that's your current address. That's where you've been receiving them. Correct. >> Growing more paranoid as the minutes pass. Sean throws out one highly incriminating question that immediately points fingers in his direction. >> So, is this going to make is this going to make me on the uh the grid? What do you mean? Like are you saying is this going to get you in trouble? >> No. >> No. >> Okay. >> If it if it becomes a problem where they suspect you to be the one who's creating these fraudulent checks, that's something completely different. But right now, it doesn't look like that. It looks like somebody's trying to scam you, like she said. So, that puts you in the bank as the victim. So, you're you're fine. Well, thanks to Cura. >> I'm sorry. >> Thanks to Cura. >> Yeah, she's got your back on that one, >> huh? >> She got your back. >> Yeah, >> she um >> she told me the J says it's better than the one you have. check. >> So, as of right now, I'm just trying to get information, like further information, but basically he met somebody online through a dating app. So, obviously, it's it's not a real person. Um, they have been trying to get him, they've been sending him checks and then trying to get him to deposit them and then send them back as like Apple cards or gift cards. Um, the bank has not deposited any of those checks. >> So, but did he try to deposit? >> Yeah. So that's >> two. >> Two. >> That's a crime. >> Okay. So he wasn't aware that it was >> okay. >> A scam. >> Okay. >> According to him, um this is the second one now. >> They haven't deposited the money. So he's not out money. They're not out money. >> He's this is the second time like second >> um time he ta does or he's just doing two at a time. >> This is the second time he's done it. >> So he's done it before. >> Yes. >> And we weren't called? >> No. >> Okay. cuz they didn't. >> From my understanding, she noticed it but didn't say anything. I guess didn't report it. >> Um, she kept it just because she said she I guess she informed him that um this looks to be like a scam or fraudulent. >> So, we're going to need both of those checks. Okay. >> Yes. Um, treat them like evidence. Put gloves on. I'll do that. Um, even though you do, >> it wouldn't hurt Miranda to talk anymore cuz I understand he's not >> he might have gotten scammed, but still if you're depositing a check, you got to know it's, you know, legal, right? You can't just deposit a fake check, >> right? >> Sure, he might not know, but if you stole it, so talk to him, figure that out. Make sure you fill that stuff out. This is going to be where he lift. So, I'm waiting for them to come back, but I have his ad his ID. I'm waiting to log him. >> So, I have his ID, but um >> just make sure he has a a good contact number. >> Mhm. I have a phone number and a phone number >> and the person that he claims is giving stuff like that, too. Work for me. >> Not yet convinced, this officer decides to ask one question that flips this entire case and begins to reveal the victim may actually be the perpetrator. So, let me ask you this. Um, when was the last time you tried the other check? How long ago? >> The 13th. >> 13th. And they told you it wasn't good and you came back and did it again. How come? >> December 16th. >> She's persistent. >> Okay. But what did the bank tell you last time? >> Okay. So if they told you once and you came back again >> for the same type of check, you should think that's a little, you know, not good. >> I'm trying to get behind how you're thinking. >> You know what I mean? >> I have had >> Did you think that the second one wasn't? Is that what you're talking? [Music] >> All right, Sean, just cuz I have some further questions for you. I don't want you to take this the wrong way, >> but just so you're aware, I'm going to read you your rights. Doesn't mean that you're being placed under arrest. Doesn't mean that you're currently in trouble. It's just you have rights and you have um the right to know them. Okay? So, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law, you have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him or her present with you while you're being questioned. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning. Um, you can decide to at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions and statements. Okay? Do you understand the rights of they've been read to you? Okay. With these rights in mind, are you willing to speak with me? >> I have nothing to hide, so why not? >> Okay. So, like I said too, so really we're just trying to figure out um >> like like my partner was saying, you know, you did attempt to do this once before and were informed that um they were fraud. What What made you come back and decide to do it again? >> She's persistent. >> She being her. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So you said Rose is persistent. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Did you think for some reason that there was a you know what what made you think that I get that you're saying that she's persistent, but she's still sending fake checks? Do you understand what I'm saying? If they've already told you the first one, what makes you think the second one's going to be good? Did she inform you in any way? Did she say, "Oh, I'm sorry. rather this is the reason this first one didn't go through or >> she called me her fiance. >> Okay. [Music] and she said that after her dad's death in Canada that she >> I would start >> since I'm her fiance I'd be the only one to cash checks for her. >> Okay. Because she's out of country, I guess. >> Yeah. >> Hey, Daniel. >> And she's trying to get you to get Apple cards and send them back to her. >> Yeah. Did she give you a different address to send them back to? Did she give you an address at all to send them back to? >> No, just to snap it and >> so she told you to snap it back to her. >> Yes. >> Like Snapchat? >> No. >> Just Oh, like a screenshot. >> Yeah. [Music] >> Back to that number. Okay. >> Okay. Did you notice that both of those are coming from different areas? Did she give you an explanation as to why? >> Why? >> Okay. Did you notice it though? >> That one was coming from Delaware and one's coming from Utah and if she's supposed to be coming from Canada. >> I really didn't make the connection. >> Okay. That didn't raise any red flags or anything. >> Okay. Is there anybody else that she's been talking to? Is she giving you somebody else's information? >> Yeah. Kate. >> Kate. Who's Kate? >> Kate Williams. >> Kate Williams. >> Okay. >> Kate Williams. And she uh >> interest in 26. She was a chef in >> Right. >> That's true. Ontario or not Ontario ship in >> Tallahass >> in Tallahassee. >> Yeah. >> Okay. What is that relation? >> About the same >> same as in what? >> He'll probably get one for this for >> those two. That's a really good question. >> Trying to get money trying to get information out money out of me. >> Well, yeah. So, this Kate Williams and then Rose have both been trying to get money from you. >> Yeah. >> Okay. What was the explanation from Kate? >> The first time she uh >> she didn't have any food. >> She didn't have any food, but she's a chef. >> Yeah. And well, she cut her thumb. She got fired. So, >> then she says afterwards that she has a son. Okay. >> And I actually had a sore spot because I >> Yeah. So even though >> was uh thrown out of the house in Alaska. >> Okay. >> And uh >> I know how it is working without food. >> So I sent 25 to her. >> $25. >> Yeah. Well, Apple, >> you send $25. Did she send you a check prior to that? >> No. >> That was just out of your pocket? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, is your phone number still 7725? >> Where did you send that? Did you >> screenshot it to her as well? >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. She as in Kate has not sent you any uh checks though, has she? >> No. >> Okay. Okay. So, it's just been this Rose >> person and these are the only two checks that you've received so far. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, assuming that they have your information, obviously your address, >> correct? >> Right. >> Do you have her her as in Kate's um number or however you've been contacting her? just through um >> just through >> we are going to try to res >> but that's for Rose talking about for Kate Yeah, I have that. >> That's true. >> Okay. >> Are these are the only two though that you've been in contact with that have asked you for money? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> All right. Is that your conversation with Rose? Um, >> no. That's with Kate. >> Do you mind if we can look through that conversation with Rose to see when she asked for you? >> It's completely up to you. >> Just to see what she said to tell you to do. >> I know there's [Music] >> sexual things. >> I don't care about that. I don't I really don't care about that's not what we're looking at, man. We we all we all do that. All right. So, that's not a big deal. What we're looking at is the uh the things with the checks. I don't really I'm not going to look into your conversations in the personal aspect of it. I'm just looking. >> Okay. [Music] >> Do you So, I don't have to scroll through all of it. Where did she uh first start talking about it? >> Um maybe >> I really don't know. >> Okay. Today or maybe a different day? >> Different. It was today. >> Nope. >> Yesterday. >> What is it? >> Different day. >> Different day. What day? >> Okay, I see it. Check. Okay. Yesterday. >> Okay. Wait, does he actually >> check? Check your mail. Okay, you get the check. Here's the first check. Yeah. Um, that'll work. Just give me a second. >> The more questions Shawn is asked, the weaker his story gets and the more traps officers are able to set. Did you ever text her about the first time you came here and they told you that the check is no good? Did you text her that or no? >> Well, I told her to check in and she said don't go in, but she said just put it in the ATM. So, what I did is I came to Kira and had her shredded. >> Okay. And uh I sent back that the uh ATM machine had a uh >> something weird happened to it and it just shred the check. >> Okay. So let me ask you why why would you do that? What made you come in here and shred it versus attempting to act? Like cuz the reason why I ask you this question is because did you have any indication in that time that this is weird and there's a reason that I'm having her shred this versus attempting to actually try to correct >> it. Okay. So, you had her shred the first check. Is this the copy >> of the first check? >> Did they ever tell you not to bring in any more checks that look fraudulent or appear fraudulent? >> She did tell me that. >> Who's she? >> Rose. >> Okay. So, say repeat that. She said that not to bring in any more checks. Don't to bring in just goes straight through. >> Okay. So, don't go in. >> But me being the truest one, I uh brought in to her. >> So, so you had some suspicion, it sounds like. Okay. Were you Were you more or less like hoping it was real kind of thing? >> I don't really know. >> Okay. >> She might have deleted the everything. I was just reading um yesterday's conversation. It just cut out and now I'm back to today. >> Those are all of your disclosures that are >> I blocked her. >> All the fine print. >> You blocked her? >> Yeah. >> When did you block her? Well, yesterday evening and you know kept on asking and asking and asking and ask and I had enough. So I blocked her and today I unblocked her but yet >> assist your signature. This is going to be the withdrawal from your checking account. withdraw into the CV. >> All right, man. So, let me just ask you. Did you know the second check was >> the one you brought in today? >> Yeah. >> You knew it was kind of fit. Yeah. >> And you still try to check it. >> You got >> Okay. There you go. >> You ran him, right? All right. Stand up. Stand up. What are you doing? >> You're going to be right about what? >> A forge check. This way. Come on. This way. Come on. Done. [Music] [Music] Watch it. Watch it. There you go. Pull up a little bit. Yeah, I can't get down there. All right, come to this wheel here. You got anything in your pockets going to stick me, poke me, prick me? Ah, don't reach. Anything in your pockets is going to stick me, poke me, prick me, anything like that? All right, put your hands right here. Your other hand like there. >> You good there? Yeah. Okay, you're good. Just hold it there. Make sure you call it out on dispatch. [Music] [Music]