So, you're stealing from several different people. So, what [clears throat] do you think should happen to you? >> I should get a warning. >> You think so? >> A warning. >> Why would Canada.gov be sending you a check? >> Because of who I am. >> Who are you? >> They were looking for me. Like if you just wrote it down. >> Some scammers like to think that they're the smartest people in the room. But what happens when they begin to realize too late that their own master plan is already leading them straight into handcuffs? >> Y'all didn't Y'all didn't question them not one time. This one of them came in here with all the $10,000 [ __ ] But because I came in here with a $5,000 check, I'm going fine? >> I'm so confused right now. I'm not even going to lie. >> So, he gave you the check? >> Yes. >> These zero IQ scammers realize too late that they've been [music] busted. Meet this ridiculous bank scammer. You'll witness the plot collapsed before it could take off. But not before she treated officers to a tale that made even less sense than the crime itself. >> I'm not saying that I would do that, okay? >> You have a check from the stolen checkbook that you just said that no one else is cleaning in the house except for you. >> Yes, I received that in the envelope. >> From a checkbook then that has been stolen. So, the thief left you a check? >> I guess. >> On August 22nd, 2025, what appeared to be a routine visit to the bank quickly attracted police attention after employees flagged a suspicious check. When officers arrived to sort things out, the woman at the center of the transaction claimed to be completely unaware of any wrongdoing. >> I'm not saying that I would do that, okay? Is this for real? >> Yes. Sorry. >> Sorry, excuse me. So, the the check that you're trying to cash. >> Okay. >> I need to read something to you before I can ask you any questions about it. >> Am I in trouble? >> I'm not saying You're not required to say anything. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer. I can confirm that with you while you have while you have questions. Do you understand each of these rights I have explained to you? >> Yes. >> And having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us? >> Yes. >> Uh so the the check that you were trying to cash today, >> Uh-huh. >> uh who issued that check to you? >> Um as far as I know, a Ms. Linda Bell. Okay. >> Who is Ms. Linda to you? >> Um somebody I've done some work for. >> Does she still have that check? Where is the check? >> No. >> And you say as far as you know, >> What? I haven't seen her face to face. >> So how did you get the check? >> I go in places. I do a little bit of cleaning or if they need me to clean the place. >> that again. >> I go in places, do cleaning, if they need me to bring their food or whatnot, kind of help people out. And usually I get a check left >> So this was left for you there? >> Um no, the check was mailed. At a house in Lakeland, I believe. >> A house in Lakeland? >> Yes. >> What many do you believe? >> I get so many I got various places I got food brought to me. >> Yeah, I'm sure that you have your clients and houses written down. Now you know where she lives, right? >> I have somebody else drive me. They have all the information. I don't drive. He knows how I have his ID. >> You don't know where your customers' houses are that you clean? >> I don't pay that much attention. I am so tired of taking care of and running multiple things. >> Okay. >> What agency do you work for? >> I work for myself. >> So you're independent? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And you don't have >> I have somebody else that gives me >> No, no, no, but but you you're telling me that you have your own independent business and yet you don't know your clients' names and where they live? >> I give that to the person that drives me. I don't have that. >> You don't take the time to figure that out because you're the one who's running your business. >> I don't drive. I have somebody else that drives me for me, so why >> Right, but driving is totally different than, you know, knowing where to be at what time. >> That's one detail. Yeah, I know who to be like um Miss Linda, Mr. Mike. >> Where's Miss Linda's? >> I believe it's I believe it's Lakeland. >> You believe it's Lakeland? >> Yeah, I do. >> Do you see how that doesn't make any sense? >> two Lindas I work for. >> Okay. Where's the other one? >> The other one is in Lakeland. >> Someone has to know where you're going each day to clean, right? >> He said he was going to >> He's your driver? So, you just get in with your driver and they take you where you're going to go. So, they're running the business, not you. >> I tried to keep a running tally of that. >> You what? >> I tried to keep a running tally of that. >> So, they they decide where you're going to go every day. You just get in the car and and clean? >> Yeah, the people I clean >> Can you Can you Keep talking, Miss Crystal. >> Yes, I can. >> Um that doesn't make any sense. But I don't want to interrupt your >> It is fine. >> conversation. So, you're running your own business. What's the name of your business? >> It's Crystal's Cleaning. >> Crystal's Cleaning? Are you Crystal? Okay. >> I'm Crystal Bell. >> Makes sense. Okay. >> So, are you cleaning or what kind of services are you providing? >> I do cleaning, I do cooking. It depends on what they need. >> Okay. And so, you don't know who's writing you a check, who's leaving you a check. You're just going >> Does anybody else go into the house with you and clean or is it just you? >> Um it is Sometimes there's a Michelle. >> Okay. Did Michelle work with you today? >> No, she didn't. >> Okay. Did Michelle work with you yesterday? >> No. >> Okay. So, it's just Crystal. >> Yes. >> Okay. I just want to ask something. So, your driver drives you to wherever, you go in, you clean, >> Mhm. >> and you find a check from whatever your employer is. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, how did you get here today? >> Um I caught an Uber. >> Caught an Uber? Is that your driver? >> No. >> The Uber? >> Not usually. Sometimes it is, but that's >> Okay. >> Her answers sounded as though she were inventing them on the spot. The more questions the officers asked, the less her story seemed to hold together. She couldn't provide a clear address for her workplace or explain how to contact her supposed employer, leaving officers with a growing list of questions. Either she was protecting the people behind the scheme or there was no team to begin with. >> Okay. All right. So, do you do you hear how this the pieces that >> Okay. >> All right. You should turn around for me. >> No, here. Wait. Wait. I'm going to tell you I'm going to tell you something right now. If you go in there and clean every day all by yourself and there's no one else in there. >> I don't go in there and clean all the time by myself. Sometimes I do sometimes I don't. >> Okay, but the last two days, right? >> The last >> The order for checkbook got stolen the last two days. >> Then I would be I'm stating because I don't steal. >> Yeah, but nobody else has been in the house except for you. >> Well, if there's somebody else that's been in the house or something then they could have done it. >> But you have a check from the stolen checkbook that you just said that no one else is cleaning in the house except for you. >> Yes, I received that in the envelope. >> In an envelope? >> Yes. >> From a checkbook that has been stolen. So, the thief left you a check? >> I guess. I don't have the envelope. No, I don't. It was in >> Do you see how that doesn't make any sense? You don't have the envelope. All you have is the check from a checkbook which went missing. You said no one else is working with you. >> No. >> Do you want to just be honest? >> I am being as honest as I can. >> You're not being very honest. >> I don't You don't know checkbook. >> It's pretty obvious what happened here. So, if you want to just come clean and talk to us about it, we can work it >> for somebody or with somebody, this is the time to like let us know. I know you have kids to take care of. Take care of yourself. It's time to take care of yourself. >> You don't know checkbook. >> It's all right. >> So, did someone send you in here to to cash a check? >> Don't make up a story. If it's you, just own it cuz it seems pretty clear that if no one else is working with you, no one else has been in this house other than you, you don't have the envelope, all you have is the check. It seems pretty clear what just happened. It's It's It's way better to be honest with us. We're human beings. But, your story makes no sense, and it's pretty clear what happened. >> All I have is a payroll checkbook. All that you have is a payroll checkbook. >> [music] >> All that I have is a payroll checkbook. And it's only a checkbook. >> All right. >> Okay, I have on my person I have my No problem. >> Is it in a sealed prescription container? >> Uh some of it is, some of it isn't. >> Hold on, that is illegal. >> After detaining [music] her, the officers began tracing the names linked to the checks, hoping that the paper trail would [music] expose whoever was really behind the scheme, and then reveal whether there was a bigger operation hiding behind the transactions. >> Could you tell me what's going on as far as do you know this person [music] or what's how this person uh has a personal check from you your guys's checkbook? >> We We have no idea. >> Okay. >> We don't know anybody by that name. >> Do you have anybody doing any like um >> [music] >> cleaning work or like nursing work where they would be in and out of your home or anything like that? >> The only thing we have is uh we have a a a person that cleans for us that's cleaned for us for 2 years or 3 years. >> A little longer than that, yeah. >> 4 years, probably. >> Okay, what's that person's name? >> Her name is Gracie Allen. What's Gracie's last name? >> I I can't remember her last name. >> Okay. And she doesn't She doesn't work with anybody else when she comes to the home. She just works alone. She doesn't bring anybody. >> No, she has brought someone new recently, a younger girl. >> Okay. And you guys wouldn't know her name or anything like that? >> Well, she introduced me to her, I can also I can always call Gracie. >> We can get her >> and get that information for you. >> Okay, and when you say young, how young does this person look? >> Uh I don't know, probably 17, 18, 19 maybe. >> Okay, okay. All right, all right. Well, this definitely not this person. Okay, um have you guys filed any >> Let me ask you a question. Was this person Hispanic? >> No. >> Okay. >> No. >> Graciela and anybody that she brought with her is Hispanic. >> Okay, no. No, this person is not Hispanic. Um it's going to get turned over to the detective. It seems as if she may have been working with someone, but she didn't She definitely did not want to give up any of that information. So, she's taking this person is taking the fall for everything. Um I have arrested her. >> [music] >> Um she is being charged right now um with two charges, and that's for um uttering a forged uh document uh uttering a forged um document, which is the check. It has uh Linda's name or signature alleged signature on the front. And um for the trying to cash it at the bank. I don't do not know how she is in possession of this. She was saying that the check was left for her for services that she had rendered by taking [music] doing some housekeeping work. And she couldn't tell us who paid her. But the check is fully filled out, and it has um Linda's has the signature on the front, and it says for nursing and in-house work. >> We've closed that account. And we transferred all the money in that account into another account. >> When did you close the account? >> Huh? >> When did you close the account? >> Uh Linda closed it this afternoon. >> Okay. What made you close it this afternoon? [music] >> Cuz she went to the bank up here, a Regions Bank up here. >> Mhm. >> And while she was in the bank they got a call it's Is this right, Linda? >> Yeah. >> They got a call from somebody about another check. >> Was it about this particular check or a different check? >> Well, I I don't know because I was I was at >> Okay, can I speak to Linda on that? >> I I was at work, but but I think she thinks Linda thinks it was another check and it could have been this check, but but it was another check that somebody was trying to cash. It's it's a copy of the check and it's it's the check number 853. And it's payable to Crystal Smith for $1,826.90. And it's for cleaning service. >> Okay. >> And is is that the check that that Is that the one that you're dealing with down there? >> Nope, it's a separate check. So, this is why I'm I'm so glad you are. >> That's what I thought. I That's what I'm thinking that there's two checks. >> Okay, Crystal Smith and what was that amount for? >> $1,826.90. And I'm wondering if this is the same person. >> Yeah, it's it's it's definitely the same person. So, >> trying to do two checks. >> That it's definitely the same person. So, here here I did not find a checkbook on her. So, that means that that alleges believes me Excuse me. To believe that she's working with someone and there's a checkbook. >> In the end, she was charged with forgery and uttering a false document. The last woman left with her tail between her legs, much like this scammer who showed up to cash a check that had already been used, all the while spinning a story that sounded way too far-fetched to pass the smell test. >> So, I looked at the transaction history of the check and it already been negotiated like last week. >> Why would Canada.gov be sending you a check? >> Because of who I am. >> Who are you? >> They were looking for me. I can't You just wrote it down. >> Okay, why are they looking for you? >> Uh because they wanted to know who everything belonged to and what belonged to who and who belonged to what. >> On November the 11th, 2024, just before the end of office hours, officers were called after a woman walked into a credit union and tried cashing a check that had already been cashed by the actual account holder. Right away, something smelled fishy. When the officers arrived, they spoke with the bank staff and it didn't take long for the story to start unraveling. >> So, so she came in. First of all, when she came in, she walked up to the to the front counter. She had a mask on. I said, "You got to take the mask off." So, she took the mask off. She handed me this check. The check looked like I don't know. I mean, I can't judge it. I mean, people put them in their pocket and checks all the time. >> Mhm. >> But she handed me this check. I said, "So, what you want me to do with this?" She was like, "Cash it." I said, "All right, give me your driver's license." I said, "So, why ain't you got I said, "What you got in the car?" What did she say? "Nope." I said, "Then how am I supposed to cash this check?" She said, "Maybe I used to have an account." I was like, "Okay." So, I'm looking at the name on the check and it says Shawn Summer. >> Mhm. >> I can't make out what the last name is. >> Mhm. >> So, I said, "Okay, well, if you used to have an account, okay." I said, "Give me I'll look it up for you." I said, "What's your social security?" She was like, "Oh, I forgot the card at home." I said, "You don't know your social security number?" She said, "No, not by heart." >> Mhm. >> So, I said, "Okay. So, now you you trying to deflect me cuz you don't want me to know exactly who you is." >> Mhm. >> I said, "Okay." I said, "Yeah, I ain't no way I can cash this check." I said, "You know what? Let me call the customer to verify for you." You want me to call the customer? Which is funny, cuz she was like, "Yeah, you go ahead and call them and verify it." >> Mhm. >> So, I'm like, "Okay, then." So, I called the customer. First, I called the wife because it said Teresa. Right? >> On on >> On the check. So, she's the one that that that normally endorses the check. So, I called her. She didn't answer the phone. >> Mhm. >> So, I'm like, "Fuck." So, I called her husband. He answered the phone. So, I introduced myself. Said, "I want to verify a check." He was like, "Okay, yeah." Uh I said, "It's a check for a Sean." He was like, "Oh, Sean uh uh sh- sh- uh uh Campion or something." I said, "Yeah." But, I couldn't make out what the last name was except for $1,400. I said, "Yeah." He said, "Oh, yeah, we wrote that check." I said, "Okay." So, I hung up the phone. I called right back. Said, "Hey, can you describe what the person looks like?" He was like, "Well, I can't, but me and my wife can." >> Mhm. >> So, he gives her the phone. Uh she says uh "Well, he uh" I said, "Oh, that's out the gate, but this is bogus cuz it's a she." >> Mhm. >> You know? Uh so, I'm just trying to cat- clarify. She said, "Well, that check already cashed. So, what you mean?" So, I looked through the transaction history. The check had already been negotiated like last week, like a week week ago. >> Mhm. >> So, I think he took a picture of the check and deposited it into his bank account. Some some some way he did it electronically. >> Mhm. >> I don't know how she got a hold of the check, but she in the bank trying to cash the same check. >> [clears throat] >> So, the customer was like, "Yeah, no, that check already been negotiated. We need to confiscate the check." >> Mhm. >> So, what I did, I tried to do him a solid to be honest. I went up and said, "Hey, this check already [clears throat] been cashed. The customer told me to confiscate the check and they called the police." That's what I told her. Then, she was like, "Oh, you're walking out the bank." So, I went out. So, I was like, "Okay, so now you're going to play with me now, huh?" >> So, what's going on with this check again? The officer had a lot to unpack. [music] Even though the scheme already seemed dead in the water, he decided to speak with the suspect directly. >> [music] >> Especially since the facts were already stacking up against her. >> So, what's going on with this check again? >> So, basically Kenneth is that guy wrote it out to me. The check was over over 40 over 40 years over like what? 30 years of AM it? 30 years of of what they were trying [music] to reach you at. The website when they find when they find me on the website I could only get the documents. Reading the documents in my house got broken into. I came to the the same spot they told me I could pick up them make sure that no matter what where [music] I was that they'll get the check to me. They got the check right back to me. >> Why would Canada.gov be sending you a check? >> Because of who I am. >> Who are you? >> They were looking for me. Like you just wrote it down. >> Okay, why are they looking for you? >> Because they wanted to know who everything belonged to and what belonged to who and who belonged to what. >> Why would [snorts] Canada be doing that? >> Plenty of reasons. >> Like? >> Um health insurance, the value of life, natural sustainable living, uh healthy choice, recognition, [music] respect, understanding, compassion. >> Do you have anything with your name on it? >> No. >> No? >> No. >> No. >> The other thing is is I'm new. I couldn't make it >> 1099 for check 1600 bucks a month. >> It was what? 1099 you said, right? >> Yeah, but when I I couldn't make it out. I mean, I knew it because that's what they told me on the phone. But when I actually spelled the last name for you she spelled something that it wasn't no damn 1099. So she couldn't tell me what the last name was either. So I don't know if she bought this check or she stole it or whatever she did. But this ain't [clears throat] her check. >> Okay. Uh you want charges? Pressure sensitive? She didn't get any money, correct? >> No, she didn't get No, I'm going to give her that. >> Okay. >> No, she got to wake up early in the morning before we meet with that one. Man, I worked at US Bank for 20 years. I've been down in 26 in Wisconsin, Midtown. I've been all over the country. >> Can I see that check again? >> Yeah. That one won't go fly right there. You could have You got to You You to have a little bit more game. >> Yeah. >> But I don't >> Could you do me a favor and stand up and face away from me or you're going to be under arrest for resisting a truck, okay? >> Resisting a truck? >> Yeah, it's a truck investigation. Since you have different names, we've got to figure out who you are. If we can figure out who you are, then we'll kick you up out of here and you'll be on your way. Okay? >> Well, I have my check. >> Okay. We will. I'll have my partner have my friend out. You just comply and stand up for me and face away from me, okay? >> All right, no problem. >> I appreciate it. You You said it's for sure digitally cashed? >> Yeah, that that check was cashed on the 19th. >> Okay, obviously it's digitally cuz they still held onto the check. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Do you want to press charges against her? >> Do I want to press charges? >> Yeah, I mean the bank or the supervisor is kind of makes that call. Like if you want her arrested and charged with like This one's kind of hard cuz it's like is she Does she appear, you know, MO like mentally something going on or >> with her. I mean, if it's me >> So, that that those are like the two ways. Like is something wrong with her, which like you said there might be, or does she intentionally know that this is a bogus check? Those are kind of the two things. If you like if you intentionally know, probably wouldn't wait for me, but I don't know. >> I think it I think it's a little bit of both. >> Think a little bit of both? Okay. >> I mean, it's just in my opinion. It's just like it's like she Like I said, man, I tried to do her a solid like, "Man, police are on their way." >> Mhm. >> And she's like, "I'll wait." >> Mhm. >> I'm like, "Damn." >> That's just That's just weird, yeah. >> And the other thing about it, they said, "Well, well, she If he had came in the bank I'm pretty sure he would have had a driver's license or ID, but that [music] check is already been cashed." >> Mhm. >> I'm like, "He?" Okay. >> So, yeah. >> So, it was clear to me that it was an an impostor, you know. Uh I don't know where that was I don't know >> That's just your accomplice getting the check here. >> Yeah, I don't know where it all I don't know, you know. So, as long as she's out of here, it's fine. >> Okay. It's all right. >> The main reason why they done that is no point of us putting in the work and then try to prove >> For what? >> There's no point of us trying to put all this work in to try to prove >> Yeah. >> So, what we want to do the fraud, but we do the resisting a truck though we get in our file. I'm >> not able to get her actually back. Um I'll do a T L X O [music] 2 on the way. I'm going to take this right now, but I'll give it back to you at the station. >> I'll meet you back there. >> Um she said that's her account. >> I'll call you later after I get in. >> Yeah, she said it's a uh somebody that she stole from or whatever. So, one it could be that she stole from or two it's her name and she's multiple personality type deal. So, >> We'll just take everything that is in her name. >> Yeah. >> There were no updates on their charges at the time that this video was being put together. Agreed the last scammer was wild, but she wasn't as disconnected from reality as Don Joey, a veteran scammer who thought she had mastered the system with a successful $15,000 scam and returned to pull off another $8,000 heist. >> She got $15,000 or $8,000 the last time you were here, right? >> The last time? >> Yeah, we got you we got your ID from last time. So, you're stealing from several different people. So, what do you think [clears throat] should happen to you? >> I should get a warning. >> Think so? >> A warning? I don't know what I'm doing. >> You did know what you were doing, girl. You know exactly what you did. You did twice. >> On May the 21st, 2025 at around midday, a deputy was dispatched to a financial institution after reports of a suspected scam. He got there quickly and found a situation already brewing with a grown woman right in the middle of it. The deputy immediately spoke with the employees and within moments he was getting a sense of the situation that was waiting for him. >> Hey, she left her ID. >> I got back lunch, but this is ID she presented to this gentleman. She came in week before last and did a withdrawal and she's been to other branches. >> Okay. And and she's not this person. >> She's not that person. >> So, hold on. Teresa Ann, didn't she send it in? >> So, this is the one that we got >> [clears throat] >> a week before last. That was sent out in our market. So, we can look out for her. >> And so, this is the person you do have an account Teresa. Okay. And this person you have an account to too. So, right now we don't know who she is. >> Okay. >> Hey ma'am, before I go we need to talk to you real quick, okay? >> Yeah. >> We need to talk to you real quick. I'm Officer Haley, the police department. >> Uh-huh. >> The reason why we need to talk to you is basically that we got a call saying that you was trying to make some uh bank transactions or cash a check, whatever you were trying to do, utilizing [music] someone else's uh information, not yours. >> Uh-huh. >> And you was trying to impersonate yourself as that person. [music] Are you aware of that or no? Okay. Do you have your ID now? >> No. >> You don't have ID? >> I just left it on the counter, I think, in there. >> [music] >> You left it on the counter. Why did you leave it on the counter? >> Just hold it here. >> Okay. We can get Call my contact to stay down there and get that. >> What's going on? >> Hello. >> Hi. >> Tell us what's going on. What you doing here today? >> Nothing. >> Nothing. You're at the bank. >> I was trying to make a transaction. >> So, here's the thing. We're going to go ahead and cut out all the bullcrap, okay? You're doing something wrong here. >> [music] >> It's in your best interest to tell us what that is. So, go ahead and do that, okay? Just be honest. It's okay. You can tell us. >> I just tried to do something illegal. >> Okay. Well, tell us what that is, okay? And why did you do it? >> [music] >> That's the main thing. >> How? >> Or why? >> I'm just going through a lot of things. Um my son got locked up. I'm just having a hard financial hardship right now. >> Okay. Did somebody set you up to this or was this something you that you decided to do? >> No, it was just something that I heard about and I just >> Tried to see. Tried to see. >> Please don't. >> You got your your regular ID? >> No. >> Okay. Come here real quick. Talk to you real quick. You got a watch on? >> She admitted to us. >> What? >> She admitted to us. >> Okay. This is what the deal is. You saying her? >> No. >> You got her in [music] here? >> She knows She knows that. She knows She just said she did it all fraudulently cuz she needed some money. >> Okay. Cool. >> I didn't I the I got the why she did it I'm good. >> What's your What's your name? >> Savannah. >> Savannah? >> Okay. How did you get up here? >> A Uber. >> You Uber? >> Yeah, I don't just been going through a lot. I just got put out of my apartment. My son is locked up. It's just a lot going on. >> Well, you know, just cuz you're going through something that doesn't mean it's okay to Your ID from Georgia? >> Yes. I didn't take anything. >> Yes, you did. Give me your phone number and your usual phone number. >> Okay. >> Where's your driver's license? >> I didn't bring it. My real stuff. >> How much money did she get on this one? >> On which one? >> The first one. >> A lot. >> What was the amount? >> 8,000. Our branch. >> I need to know the number. >> Yeah, and who >> Was it Did it happen here at Haygood? >> Yes, at the other branch. >> I'm talking about no, the How much money did she get from Haygood place? That's the only one I can put a case on. And tell me I need a date and time she came here and withdraw. >> I know she did 8,000 6 at 15. >> 15,000 what? >> 15,000. >> 15,000. >> Can I have her print all that for the last one when you get her for that one and this one for her doing the withdrawal of this one? >> On the second one? >> Is she getting money for >> She tried to get out 8,000, but her account was inactive. >> Okay. So, so 15,000. I need to We need a printout on that there. >> Yeah, and we need everything printed from the transaction, the amount. Did y'all contact the the account holder? >> The account holder is either I think if I can remember Alabama or Florida. >> Okay, if you can get us his information Is it her information? How much money was taken out? Cuz obviously those people would be victims and and the bank itself has Does y'all have >> a report that time? No, because we looked at the Discover transaction with the other branch looking at the person that the account made at that point when he did. >> Got you. >> The officers' latest discovery was a real curveball. And before long, they confronted the suspect who seemed convinced that her tearjerking story would somehow get her off the hook. >> She got $15,000. I ate the $15,000 last time you were here, right? >> The last time? >> Yeah, we got you We got your ID from last time, too, where you used your valid ID when you came here. So, this is the second time. She didn't get any money this time cuz the account was inactive, but the last time she got $15,000. People go through things, I get it. But, you got a lot of victims here. You're taking people You're stealing from several different people. So, what [clears throat] do you think should happen to you? >> I should get a warning. >> You think so? >> A warning? >> You think so? >> Yes. >> Why do you think that? >> I don't know what I'm doing. >> You do know what you're doing, girl. You know exactly what you did. You did it twice. I'm just I'm being realistic with you. I'm being as real with you as I can. So, I mean, this is that's a lot of money. You can't just sweep that under the carpet like that. It's $15,000 you [music] stole from somebody. >> If you did that to somebody, did that to you, they deserve a warning? >> They took your money out of your >> me a chance. >> If they look if they >> If they had things going on. >> They took money out of your account and >> want me to pay it back to that person or something. >> It's not how it works. You can't pay that $15,000 back. That's why you're here. You used somebody else's ID and stole their money, so that's two things. It's a big deal. This This This ruins people's lives, not just yours, but if you come in and take money out of my account and pretend like you're me, you're ruining my credit, you're taking money out of my kids' mouth. There are other ways to do stuff. I've been broke before and came up, and I didn't go steal nothing. So, did you give them your real ID? No, officers. >> No, what happened? >> No, you Did you give your officers your real information? I'm sorry. >> Yes, that's my real name. Yes, it is. Yes, my real name is. >> You can't do that. You ever been arrested before? >> No, when I was younger. >> What for? >> My husband and I got into a fight, and I hit him in front of the police. >> Domestic or something? >> Yeah, well, they charged me, I think, with aggravated assault for hitting him in front of the police. That was like >> Did you hit him with something? >> No, my hand. >> How long ago? >> Like 20 Like no, 2009 or something. Way back. It might not even been in the 2000s. >> What was your son arrested for? >> Um, he He sells walking down the street or something in Clayton County. And I guess then they have cameras or something and they saw it. He got picked up for a warrant. So, when they saw that, they transferred him to Clayton County. >> Begging for mercy after showing none was never going to get her any of the sympathy that she was hoping for. Meanwhile, the officers kept dragging the investigation forward, determined to learn more about her, especially since she was starting [music] to look less like a first-time offender and more like someone who had tasted the forbidden fruit and was back for more. >> What information do you need from the one that you gave me here? >> Yeah. >> The name and the number of the customer, the true customer. >> Yes, it and the amount and the date that she did it. >> Got it. Okay. >> Okay, I need all the ones I need for Xavier. >> Yeah. >> Okay, got you. Appreciate you. >> Now, she said she Ubered here. >> I'll just see if she had car keys, you know. >> Okay, I'm Charleston, man. I still don't even think Uber that name she gave was this woman. I think we need we need to wrap it up, man. >> Is that supposed to be her? >> No, these are not her. >> Okay, so I guess the last time she came in here, did she give her real ID? >> No, that's not >> That's what she gave us. >> what she did Uber. >> If the customer, the true customer, went into a branch, whatever state they're in, and said that money is being coming out, and that's how we So, here's the name. >> She got her picture on these IDs. These are not her name. This is not her name. This is a different with a different name with her picture on it. >> Yeah. So, some kind of way she's getting this our customers' account information. >> Yeah, so her name is Suwana. She swears that's her her real stuff. I mean, whether it is or not, we'll find out. >> Yeah, cuz like I said, these are convincing. >> Usually what happens is these people [clears throat] find a homeless person on the side of Cleveland Ave and say, "Let me take your picture. I'll be back in a tomorrow. I'll give you 100 bucks if you go in and cash this check." And they come back with a fake ID with a picture on it. We just had a guy what last week or the week before at Delta Community do the same the same thing. >> Yeah, that's all his name added. >> But she got what 15 grand last time? >> This one here on this one here some transactions 8,000. >> So she tried to get eight this time. The last time she was here she got 15. She actually got it. >> Walsh says this is the second time. >> That's what I'm saying dude. She did two transactions on the same day for 8,000. >> Today or the last time? >> No, the last time. >> The last time. >> And she got both of them. >> Which one? On this one here. Okay, she got so she got 16,000. >> Yes, she got a total of 16 from us. >> Cuz they yeah, cuz when we check this out when we run this ID these these numbers come back to somebody else. >> Oh yeah. The one at Delta was a older black guy came back to a old white guy. >> Yes, I told you about the print hold. And and you said today she tried to get another 8,000. >> Another 8,000. So this is the 8 that she tried to get but the account has been active. There's there hasn't been any activity. >> So I got right now I got two charges of identity theft and then the other one going to be two charges of fraud. >> All right now, what I need from you before I go I just need a recorded statement on what happened today. >> Okay. >> If you can just tell me what happened with her today. >> Sure, she came in presented a different ID asked for 8,000 dollars out of the inactive account. Um Baker pretty much stalled cuz he recognized her before when she came in so he kind of stalled and that's when we called you all. >> Okay. Okay. >> Well hey, thank you for your statement. Uh any further things you need from us you can reach out to us. >> Do you need that cane to walk? >> Yes. >> All right, let me get your purse from you, okay? You got anything else on you that's going to stick my harness or poke us or anything? All right, you're going to be under arrest for this, okay? If anyone wants to prosecute, the person wants to prosecute, we'll make this as easy for you as possible, okay? We're going to walk you to the car. We're going to handcuff you when you get to the car, okay? >> A search of Don Joey's purse turned up a $9,800 Regions Bank withdrawal slip, [music] along with two bank cards belonging to someone named Sandy Newkirk. With the evidence piling up, Don Joey was ultimately charged with two counts of financial identity fraud and three counts of financial transaction card fraud. Don Joey showed that age was just a number when it comes to poor decisions. Just like this scammer who tested the limits of what could go wrong when confidence outran common sense. >> Name here, Lois? Uh they reported the check as stolen. Or fraudulent. So, it's a fraudulent check. >> On October the 7th, 2025, just before the end of office hours, officers with the Fair Lawn Police Department were dispatched to a TD Bank after a branch manager reported that a woman was trying to cash a fraudulent check with $7,344. They arrived quickly and walked into a situation that sounded so absurd that it almost seemed made up. >> Hey, how are you? All right. All right. I got this, so I didn't make contact with her yet, so >> Hello. >> Ma'am. Ma'am. Can you come here for a second? Can you just hang up the phone real quick? All right. So, there's apparently a there's a issue going on right now. All right? Uh so, Yeah, I'm sorry. So, the bank contacted us. Uh there's the check that you're trying to cash, this one? >> Yeah. >> Correct? All right. And this is your ID? >> Yeah. >> Correct? All right. So, how'd you get here? What car? In the car over there? >> Yeah. >> What kind of car? >> White white Camry. >> White Camry? >> There's no car in There is. Do you want Do you want to check? >> Okay. >> I actually don't know him. This is my friend's friend. >> Your friend's friend? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, how how did you come in possession of the check? >> He gave me the check for half of the solar panels. And >> He gave you the check? Okay. And who is he? What's his name Do you >> That's my friend. >> All right. Okay. And who's your friend that had you meet up with him? >> His name is Eli. >> Eli? Okay. Where does he reside? >> Did you say what? >> Where does he live? >> He lives in Jersey. >> In Jersey? Do you know where? >> No. >> Okay. Do you know his last name? >> No, I just know his first name. >> Do you know his phone number? All right. And you still live >> Wait, so what's the problem here? >> You still live here? >> No. >> Where do you live? >> I moved upstate. >> Upstate New York? >> Yeah. >> Where in where upstate? What's your current address? >> I I just moved there. >> So, the issue with is with the with the check right now. Uh they stated that they spoke with the name here, Lois. Uh they reported your check as stolen. >> Stolen? >> Or fraudulent. So, it's a fraudulent check. The Yeah, she said uh the white Camry in the other lot there. All right. So, where wouldn't he go? Your friend's friend, you know? Don't call him, just >> I'm so confused right now. I'm not even going to lie. >> So, he gave you the check? >> Yes. >> Okay. And when I'm guessing on the way here or >> Yeah. >> Okay. And they >> Cashed it there. >> Did he give you the account here? >> I don't know nothing about him. He's like literally my friend's friend. >> Okay. >> He gave me the check, told me cash this at the bank casher. I know nothing about him or the problem, nothing. I don't even know. I don't know how I got here. If you let me here, this is so weird. >> That's that's bad. >> Yeah. >> I don't even know what to do now. >> So, >> I'm only 19. >> While her claim seems like a last-ditch effort to dodge the reality of what she had done, her earlier move of pretending to be on the phone as she walked out of the bank had already raised a few red flags. >> You know the guy? >> Yeah. >> And the amount of the check? >> $7,344. >> That seems a little weird. You know he's down here in right now? >> Am I in Jersey? >> Yeah. >> You're in Jersey, yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, what what made you guys come all the way in to Jersey to in cash this? >> So, um I was with >> We drove here. We drove to Jersey. >> Yeah. >> Go swim. >> I was already um >> You can have a seat. >> No, I'm good. I was already in Jersey with them, so when >> We're [music] in Jersey? >> I wouldn't even know much about up here. >> Okay. >> I'm not going to lie. >> Stand over here by me. >> Yeah. >> Um So, what were you guys doing in Jersey or >> We I was [music] just I had just got off of work. >> Where do you work? >> I work at Dunkin' Donuts. >> What town? >> Well, up in up state New York. >> Up in up there in by Newburg. And that's the phone number that you guys been contacting back and forth with? Do you have any text messages between each other or No, just >> phones. I I barely talked to this >> Okay. Now, how's how's your friend know him? >> I don't really know. I think I I can't even tell you. I don't know. >> So, like I said, the issue is they contacted the owner of the check. They not due to the amount. Um and the owner of the check said it's a fraudulent issued check. So, [music] they they're saying that they never issued this check. >> So, like what now? >> We're trying to gather all the information right now. I mean, uh with what you're saying, unfortunately, you're the only one here. So, I mean, it really comes down to uh certain couple things. Um Do you have anybody else around here or just whoever brought you here? >> I don't think so. I have a guy. Wait to get the phone with you. What are you doing? >> Look at his mouth. That's what I >> Okay, we'll get to that later. Stand up. Did you get that? >> Do you have anything on you? Anything in your pockets or anything like that? >> No. >> Okay. >> So >> You got any ID on you? >> Yeah, Tom Scott. >> Yeah, there should be a couple guys. All right. We're going to go out to this first car. It's right behind that blue car. Driver side back and just stand at the back door. No, not 06. Here. Got it. All right. You just have a seat in there. There. Be right back. She says it was a white Toyota Camry, about 2012 model. Doesn't know only knows the guy as Eli. Like I'll check the video before we get the license plate. So She said she doesn't even know Yeah. >> In the end, she was charged with felony forgery after attempting to withdraw [music] funds from a bank account that didn't belong to her using a fraudulent check. The next case takes us to Georgia, where this gamma thought playing dumb would somehow save her after playing a foolish game and ending up with a foolish prize. >> They told us that that check was not written to her. >> Looks like it might have been a fake check. Do you know anything about that? >> No, cuz it was mailed to me. >> On June the 18th, 2023, deputies from the Athens-Clarke Police Department were dispatched [music] to a financial institution after workers reported a suspected counterfeit check scheme involving a woman named Dontae. [music] Once on scene, the deputies gathered information from bank personnel and discovered [music] that the payment had originally been made out to a completely different individual. As the details came together, the situation looked even more [music] suspicious, especially after the account owner reportedly stated that they did not know Dontae. >> Hey, how are y'all? I hang out with her. >> Do you have your license on you, babe? >> They have my license. >> Okay. >> She presented check and we called the maker of the check and they said that they give us the information. It doesn't match the check stock. Um and they told us that that check was not written to her. Yeah. >> I say is the check okay? >> Okay, so that Mhm. What was going on? >> Um looks like it might have been a fake check. Do you know anything about that? >> No, cuz it was mailed to me. All right. Um for some business that I had did online. >> Why are you shaking, Dontae? >> Cuz I'm police. I mean >> Okay. >> I'm looking like what's going on. >> Okay. Just bear with us. Let him look at those, okay? >> Yeah, she was shaking and she was signing the check. >> Yeah. >> And so it felt like apples on the bottom. The signature did not match nobody. And then it it looks like it's a little shaky to see what it is. Yeah. It's really really bad. >> What's going on man? >> Um the check was mailed to me for online store that I was going for cake pops. And it was supposed to be for on shopping. But that's all I know. >> Let me have your take off your purse. >> Are you guys arresting me? Why are you arresting me? Why am I being arrested? Why am I being arrested? >> I'll explain to you in a minute. >> Can't Can you please not arrest me? I don't know I don't understand. >> I'm sorry. Give me just a second, okay? I'm going to walk them so they don't tighten on you. >> I'm getting arrested for a check that was mailed to me for a payment. >> Yep. >> Why is that? Can you Can you >> Well, it's because of your other statements to me. >> What What was that? >> It's your other statements to me, okay? >> What's the other statement, sir? >> I was saying >> Honestly, it was mailed to me. I don't >> I'm not doubting that. >> You can check my stuff. I don't have any information on you. >> I'm not doubting that. I'm going to read you something, okay? You have the right to remain silent. Do you understand these rights as I've read them to you? >> No, sir. I'm I'm innocent and I really don't want to go to jail. >> Well, >> [sighs] >> then you're going to jail. >> Why? >> But I want to know who dropped you off up here. And I want to know what car it is. And that's going to be in your best interest. >> My boyfriend's in the car with me. He didn't drop me off. >> Okay, which car? >> It's a blue sedan. It's a Chevrolet. >> Blue sedan, a Chevrolet? >> my boyfriend, please? >> Okay. >> Not right now. Let me just see this. >> sitting out in the parking lot? >> He should be here. I don't see why he wouldn't be. What's his name? >> Okay. Well, normally the way that these things work is Yeah, I mean, this is just for your interest. I've read you your Miranda, and you decided not to talk to me. So, I mean, at this point, anything you say is not going to be used. Um but it's also not going to help you at any point. But normally the way that these things work is you're approached by somebody who says, "Hey, I just need you to go in and deposit this check. You get this much of it. I get the rest of it." >> This guy Do you want >> You're just >> I just want to know >> Whoever it is that dropped you off here >> Do you have Thank you. >> in the parking lot, and then they get off scot-free. And they're really the ones who are doing all of this. >> There [music] is no one doing anything. The check was mailed to me in my name. I can call my boyfriend, and he'll be >> What's his name? >> His name is Greg. >> What's Greg's last name? >> I don't know his last name. >> And he's your boyfriend? >> At this point, the officers had already concluded that her story looked more like a desperate attempt to talk her way out of trouble, especially since she couldn't even correctly identify her so-called boyfriend. The scam itself wasn't anything new to officers, but they still needed to figure out whether she was simply being used as a pawn in someone else's operation. >> We've been together only a couple weeks now. He don't take me anywhere. He was He was on parole. I mean, we're done with that. >> Yeah. Did you call the other one? >> Can I No, not yet. >> They were talking about them. >> Call me six times. I'm sure I got them. >> You'll get a call when you get to jail. Well, can I get phone numbers out of my phone? >> They'll give you that option when you get there. >> You got anything in here I need to know about? >> No. >> Anything I should take me, put me, anything like that? You got anything on here that can't go into the jail? Weapons? >> What I said is you have to learn to Yeah. >> That's to be honest about it. >> It's called Jamaican oil. Sorry to cut you >> Who is this? Who's been on the phone this whole time? >> I was on the phone with him when you guys came in here. That's why I said, "Can I call him back?" >> He's already driven away. >> Mhm. >> He hasn't told me anything. >> What's the phone number for you, miss? >> What? I was calling him as I was walking in. >> It says 9 minutes. >> please? >> I already told you no. >> Yeah, that's how long we've been in here. >> You're going to jail. Luckily, it'll only be forgery in the third degree. >> Forgery? How How did you find >> It's a fake check. >> You can't charge me with forgery. I didn't make that check. >> Mhm. >> I tried to deposit it in there. I didn't try to deposit anything. I tried to cash the check. >> Yeah. Okay. >> It's not illegal to try to cash the check with the >> I would recommend that you not make any other >> What's illegal is for people to write bad checks, not for me to try to cash a check. >> Okay. Miss, you're wrong because I guarantee you if I do some digging, you don't have an online store. >> Who don't have an online store? You like Would you like to check it out? >> Yeah, I'd love to. >> Okay, well, open my phone. >> I just turned it off. >> [music] >> Okay. >> I just told him to turn it off. >> All your money's going back in this front pocket. >> Have you ever heard of G Rich Clothing? >> What's the password for your phone? [music] >> I'm sorry. >> What's the password for your phone? >> I'm not giving you the password to my phone, sir. Why would I give you my password to my phone? >> Cuz that guy was on the phone with you the whole time. >> A search warrant for my phone? >> Cuz you were on the phone with somebody the entire time. And you just told us that it was the same person that brought you. >> And you told me that you got a website, so the website would contain evidence of this. So. >> It's not on >> How did the person get in touch with you about this? >> Oh. >> The person that sent you the check. >> Via email. >> By email? Okay. >> Yeah, and who's socials are they? >> That'd be on your phone. >> Mine and my kids socials and one belongs to my grandmother. Thank you. I'm our POA. You can put it back. >> I'll put it back when I'm done searching it. That's why I'm asking you who they are. Give you the opportunity to tell me. There's no reason to get an attitude about it. >> a reason because now you're violating my personal [music] stuff. >> No, I'm not. You're under arrest, therefore we go through everything. >> are my kids socials. Thank you. >> Okay. >> People do have kids. >> Yeah, that's fine and we understand that. >> What are your kids' names? >> All right. And if that's not That must Okay, thank But you knew that I already Thank you. >> It's fine. As long as you have reason to have them, then it's not that big of an issue. We just have to know whose they are. Especially in this situation when you're already getting arrested for a forgery offense. >> If she just wants to check the cameras and see who she came up with, at least then I can start checking our cameras around downtown. >> Okay. >> See how the vehicle [music] got here and whatnot. >> Okay, cool. >> Appreciate it. >> Yep. >> Y'all must really be bored for a thousand dollar check. >> How much Doesn't matter whether it's a thousand dollars or a hundred dollars. >> Whatever. Now I'm out of my merchandise and I'm I'm going to jail. >> Oh. >> There's nothing in here. Smells like it, but there's nothing in it. >> That's unfortunate cuz it's the Jamaican oil like I said. >> All right. Come on, let's go. Okay, before we go out I need to search this vehicle on the [music] side just for your protection. >> It's a 85. >> All [snorts] right, we don't have to do >> Well, he did search me and he >> You got my car if you want to lean on >> Tell officer >> That's what I just said. >> So, thank you. She can search me. >> Appreciate you stepping up. Thank you. >> You want to hear about? >> No. >> Nothing's going to hurt me? >> [music] >> No. >> While she thought that she had kept the key piece of the puzzle hidden from the cops, she had already handed them more than enough to justify taking her into custody. >> I mean, he's probably still outside waiting for him. Y'all just assuming. >> [music] >> We didn't say that it wasn't. We're still going to look. We have to go outside anyway. >> I'm guessing. >> Where she came in? >> Cuz I had people coming in the same bank and cash a thousand dollar check and y'all didn't question them not one time. Question them. Y'all didn't Y'all didn't question them not one time. Each one of them came in here with five to six thousand dollar check. But because I came in here with a thousand dollar check, I'm going hot? I get out of here. >> Just trying to find out what she showed up in so I can check our cameras and plate readers and things like that. >> And can I call my clothing store up too cuz he said I don't have that. >> We'll give them that or give you that opportunity to second or if he will. Thank you. See you right. >> No problem. >> How can I get in? Whose numbers did you need out of your phone? >> Um I I have to go >> So, he's not going to let you take the phone because it's part of this investigation so it's going to go to evidence. So, while we're here, I'll stand next to you but who's who's numbers do you need? >> I don't I don't have my >> contacts saved? >> Yeah, I do have it. Um It's Lily >> And I think she parked in that little Honda. There's a little Honda out front, little greenish Honda. You wouldn't be able to pick it up on camera. >> I spent my money on you, okay? >> I don't know if they're allowed. I'll ask him. He's a little bit more familiar with the the whole jail aspect of it. Your whole purse is going with you though. And that's where the money is. So whether the jail lets you have it or not, that's up to them. But that everything that you had in there is back in there. What do you live? >> It was the buses one in here. >> It was the buses one? >> Yes, that's why I think it's a hoax. Like I'm innocent. Like I I'm not trying to do fraud. I literally thought the check was real. And I wouldn't waste my time to come all the way out here. My boyfriend's probably sitting in the parking lot waiting. >> [music] >> In the back parking lot? >> Yeah, but I'm saying like y'all going to try to arrest him too cuz he brought me to the bank. >> If he's part of it, that's what part of that search warrant is. >> Part of it? >> That's why there's [music] a search warrant on your phone. That's why he's going to get you the search warrant on your phone. He goes through and he finds the website, he finds [music] where your check was sent and all that kind of stuff, and it looks fraud fraudulent, then your this charge will stick. If not, when you have a court date, then it'll be dropped. >> [music] >> As of right now, you look guilty. >> How do I prove I'm innocent? >> He's the one that looked at all of it, but he determined that. He'll explain it to you. Hold on. Can I get a couple of phone numbers out of her phone before you take it? >> I don't want you knowing my past though, backup. >> That's an alternative. >> Backup. I ain't scared of you. I guarantee you if you ain't had your uniform on your best day, get in the ring with me, I'm a I'm a cold ass boxer. I swear. I [music] had you crying to your mama. >> Are you threatening me? >> No. I said I I >> Do you Do you really want to keep stacking charges? >> Does your face [music] unlock? What's the What is it? Wait. 1 2 2 5 I can't is the last part. 25 again? >> I'll answer that, I'll answer that. >> No, I'm not answering that right now. 122525 >> So, my ass smells like I'm smelling like I'm >> Smells like or your wallet smells like >> How is that possible it smells like oil? >> I don't know, it does smell like I know the difference between oil and homegirl. It smells like But, there's nothing in there, so it's not like you can be charged with it. >> I don't know what I'm doing. >> Yeah, I did it all. >> I did my ID again. >> No, it's going in your purse and then your numbers are going in this front pocket. >> All right, and for your information, why you trying to arrest my boyfriend? >> She's got something that she wants to tell you. She's got something she wants to tell you. >> to advise him that that you have now been barred from all all Nova saying, okay? Just just that you understand that you've been barred. >> Wow. So, that's why I'm not waiting for him. 5 minutes >> Okay, from Did you understand that you have been barred from >> Yes, your boyfriend that you only know his first name. Your boyfriend that you don't know his last name. Yeah. >> While she thought the worst was already behind her, she crossed the line between being foolish and reckless. In doing so, she quickly revealed what the officers had suspected all along, that she knew far more about the scheme than she admitted. >> How you going to say the hell you trying to lock him up? Why would I tell you his name when you trying to lock him up? Oh my god, Jesus. I'm going to call Shayna and tell her to come. >> All right, hold on 1 second. Leader. That's good. Huh? No, I gave him the case number. I gave you the phone number. It's in that front pocket. I showed you you watched me as I put it in there. >> But, he doesn't know how to get a warrant search warrant for the phone. >> That's fine, but the longer he has I mean, the longer that it takes him to get that, the longer you are without your phone. Just so you know. >> Well, that's fine. >> Okay. No, I mean >> me without my phone, right? >> Hold What do you mean? >> They can't hold me with my phone. >> No, I mean I don't It just depends on if you've had previous charges and that kind of stuff. That doesn't depend on your phone. >> I can get a signature bond? >> I don't know. I don't know. See, we don't really know any of that stuff. That's all with the the jail. So, once we get there No, I don't think so as long as you haven't had another one. >> Is it a misdemeanor? >> Hold on. I'm about to look. It depends on if you've had another one or not. Have you been charged for it before? >> What? >> No, it shouldn't be. >> You're pretty cool, honestly. >> I try to be, but you coming out hot with me. >> No, because like I I honestly like I'm literally legit. Like I'm not Like regardless of what he's feeling, like >> Okay. So, I mean I can read you your rights again if you want to talk to me about some things that I need to know. >> Is it a misdemeanor? >> Mhm, let me double-check. I think so. I think third degree is a misdemeanor. It is a felony. So, the person who commits the offense of forgery in the third degree shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction therefore shall be punished by imprisonment. So, let me just let me tell you this. So, you are getting charged with this right now based on the probable cause that we have today. However, you have a court date. And if at that court date the judge decides that that's not efficient enough and we don't have sufficient enough probable cause, he can still drop it. So, yes, as of right now you're going to jail. However, you should be able to O R bond out how if you haven't had any past I don't know what your past is. So, depending on that, you should be able to get out tonight and then you'll get a court date and we'll get that when we get in there. >> [music] >> And once you have that court date, you can plea whatever you need to plea, give whatever receipts you need to give, and anything that you have that bases you as innocent. Okay? >> Why are you charging me with a felony? Check them out on this thousand dollars. There ain't no check for that. I didn't write the check. I just got the check. >> Forgery offenses are just felonies like that. So, like I just looked it up and it said shall be punished with a felony or confinement. So, I think that's just how they're written. We enforce the laws, we don't make what they're considered. >> I'm supposed to be back here at 5:00. >> At 5:00? Where are they? >> Parked. >> Do you not have custody? Okay. It says a person who commits the offense of forgery in the third degree shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment for not Huh? >> Well, I probably didn't get it right the first time, so. >> That's what I'm saying. Right now, you're just arrested. Therefore, you still have a court date. And if that court date declares that yeah, you're guilty, then that's when you're facing the actual stuck to your record felony and or in pri- like in confinement. As of right now, you're just looking at a couple inconvenient hours and you're going to get out and get time to collect everything you need to collect to prove your innocence, okay? You truly are innocent, then just get everything that needs to show you that. Talk to whoever needs to say that you are innocent. I'm just telling you this arrest is based off of the facts and circumstances that were presented to me that presented to the other officer to where he could declare that [music] you were a guilty party in the moment. >> Got it. >> Put it out. Close your door. Who has custody of your kids? >> They don't have custody right now. >> What happened? >> Domestic violence. >> With the same guy? They got to leave them with somebody? Okay. So, they give you an opportunity to have them back? >> Yeah, but I don't like this. >> Well, this I mean, yes, this is not the best circumstance. However, it doesn't put them in harm per se. So, I don't necessarily know. I think it'll be looked at, but it's not a deciding factor on why you shouldn't have your kids back. But the domestic situation is a little different. That could I them in physical form? Did you have a family member that you could stay with, or did they not give you that option? >> I didn't have that option at all. I didn't know my mom was in there. >> Does she have a record? >> I don't. >> Did your mom have a record? >> I don't know what her record is. I don't have to say what her record is. >> Don't even start that. You literally just said you and I were cool. >> Me and you were cool. >> Don't do that. >> That is That is not the information profile. >> You also attempted to check that looked fraud. >> In the end, she was charged with forgery. If you thought the last scammer was awful, then you should meet this scammer who suddenly found the gospel and realized he wanted nothing to do with jail right after getting caught red-handed. >> I can't afford to go to jail right now. So, I got to I got to sit here. >> Like I said, there's a civilian that's being personally affected in this fraud or that's being victimized. >> On the 10th of March 2022, the Shambli Police Department responded to a call from the management of the Atlanta Marriott concerning a guest who had fraudulently made unauthorized reservations with the card that wasn't his. >> And of course, I have a guest who has been here for 7 days. He's charged this lady's card $1,568. And she's calling and she was calling from California. She She wants to press charges. She's like He just keeps running it up. >> Does she know the person? >> No. So, what people are doing right now in the Marriott community, they're hacking into people's Marriott number, their accounts, and they're making reservations with their credit cards, and they're doing a mobile check-in, which doesn't require you to check ID or card at the front desk. >> I've been here for this week. >> Yeah. So, this guy, he just keeps extending his stay and extending. He just came down today and extended it. And she said she got an alert today that her card was overdrawn and she saw it. So, she gave me her information, too. Her first and last name, and I have her phone number for you guys. I don't know if you guys are going to call her. If I need to call her, I have it. >> We'll call. Yeah. >> Okay. But, um, he's a fraud. >> When the officers arrived at the scene, they had no idea that they would be dealing with one of the most elusive scammers they'd ever encounter. >> What is Police. Shelly, police. >> If you're in here, make yourself known. >> Shelly, police. >> He's not in here. >> beds >> No, I can't go under the beds. >> All right. What is that? Is that another room? >> They don't have that room, do they? >> You got a lock on Is there another door behind it? >> Yeah. Yeah, they would have found out about that one. >> All right. All right. >> There's There's a couple people living in here, looks like. >> Yeah. >> And he just came back up here. That's what's so crazy, cuz right before I called y'all, he came in the extreme. >> Might have saw us and jetted. >> He'll come back. Y'all could deactivate his card, right? >> Yeah. >> Could I go in there and talk to him? >> The officers were now faced with the new problem of catching the suspect, because there was a possibility that he might have figured out what was happening and subsequently disappeared. Fortunately, they soon received a report that the suspect had just stepped into the hotel. >> What's your name, boss? Is this your key? >> Yes. >> You wouldn't mind if I asked >> No, I'm not going to Is your mom in the room? >> Yeah, he with his mom. >> Where is she? >> In the red bathroom. >> All right. >> black >> Let him go, Mom. >> Let him go, Mom. Me and him need to talk. >> Is this Mom with the dress on? >> Yeah. >> She seen you. >> Hm? >> She seen you already. >> She right here. Ma'am. You stay here. >> Hey, buddy. >> I need to talk to him, okay? >> Okay. >> All right. King. >> What's wrong, Dad? >> We going to figure it out in a to shake it out. I just need you to take care of the kid. >> What's going on? >> We're going to give give her to take. >> Come here, kid. >> Just take care of the baby, okay? >> I need the car key. And it's in my car. >> Hold off on getting anything. Hold off. >> Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. >> Hold off on anything. >> Let's Let's just figure this out real quick. >> If If he good, then we done. Hold off. Hold off on that key. >> On the car key? >> Put it there. >> So, what am I going to have to do to take care of the kid? >> You can have a seat in the lobby. >> Yeah, just go have a seat in the lobby. We'll be right with you, okay? >> You're detained, boss. We I got a few questions I need you to answer, okay? >> Yeah, why am I getting detained? >> I'll let you know in a minute, okay? >> Yeah, so there's no point in getting detained. >> There is. There is. >> There is. There is. There is. >> Put your hands behind your back. >> What was initially a simple interrogation would soon become difficult as the scammer decided to show how good he was at lying. >> Gregory what? >> I said Gregory Drayton Griffith. >> Griffith? >> Yeah. >> Do you have a room here? >> Yeah. I have I mean, yeah, I check out tomorrow. >> What's your room? >> 620. >> All right. You got a >> Miranda card. >> You got a Miranda card? >> Uh let me check. I'm going to I'm going to write here. Only give me 2 seconds. >> Yeah, I do actually. How can I assist you, sir? >> Okay, so we're going to hold on a minute. >> I'm going to read this to you. >> All right. >> Yeah, we're going to talk. >> All right. >> Talk to me now. >> Yeah, uh listen, bro. I need to get out of these handcuffs. >> Listen. Listen to the question. >> I understand. I understand. >> All right. I need I need an answer, yes or no. Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to me now? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Cool. This is what we got. Room 2 60, okay? Uh room 620. >> 610. 610. >> Room 620. All right. Room 620 is using the card that the card owner did not authorize that room to use that card. All right, she didn't authorize anybody to use that card to reserve that room. That room has several charges on it on that card. All right, the owner of that card contacted the Marriott today. Said she did not authorize anybody to use her card. She did not know you. >> I don't know about none of this, bro. >> You don't know about what? This time, the room is in your name. >> I understand that. I I need I'm We We got evicted, man. I needed someone to give me a room. I paid my friend. He got me a room, bro. >> You paid who? >> My My friend Elijah. >> Your friend Elijah? And who booked the room? >> My friend Elijah. >> But the room has your name on it. >> I It had to be my name. I had to check in. >> So, that's your story? Somebody else booked the room under the name >> Yeah, for a discount like He was like uh I'm going to have off and give me a room. >> That's That's what he said? >> Yeah. >> Okay. You got a phone number or anything for your Elijah? >> No, it was some like WhatsApp or something like that. It was >> It was who? >> Like WhatsApp or something. >> So, that's how y'all communicated? >> Yeah, that's what That's what he told me to contact >> Do you have that on your WhatsApp on your phone where you can show me? >> No, the phone I had broke. >> You don't have a phone now? >> No, I got a I got a a new a new phone and I'm waiting on everything to get transferred. I ain't I'm using hotspot off my on one of my phones right now until I'm waiting to get a new phone fixed or whatever. >> Now, everything you you telling me sound I'm just saying like you got every Not Not saying you lying. >> I mean, sir What What What What What What What's all happening, sir? Cuz I mean, I I I If this >> But his story's weren't adding up, so the officers pushed further. >> I I spoke with him. I spoke with him. >> Is If this is I sent my bread, bro. I did I mean, the situation I mean, like He was evicted. I just I I tried to figure something out myself, bro. >> You said you was evicted? >> No, we just got evicted. >> All right. So, then what you telling me? I want to make sure I'm clear. You was evicted from your place. You talked to your friend Elijah. Elijah booked your room using You listen. Elijah booked your room using a credit card and you paid half of it. >> I didn't know what he did. I He just said he did WhatsApp off my All right, bro. That's just what he said. Okay, I'll charge you much. I sent her the money and he was like okay you can go check in and use your name. >> Okay. When were you supposed When were you check When did you check in? >> Um I'm going to call her back bro. >> Call her back? >> Yeah. >> Okay. How How many times have you extended the reservation? >> Um Probably two times. >> Probably twice. >> Yeah. >> Okay. When were those times? >> Okay. Within these last >> couple days. >> That's it? >> Yeah. >> So It was this morning right? Did you come down this morning and extend it? >> Yeah I extended this morning. >> All right. You You just said there were unlimited And when was the other time? >> Uh this I'm sorry. >> Watch your back. Hey. I'll come and talk to you in just a second. I'll come and talk to you in just >> I'm good man. I'm good. I'm good. I'm going to be with y'all in a minute. I'm going to be with y'all in a minute. >> At this point he finally understood how bad the situation was but decided to make it completely unexpected last minute move to get out of trouble. >> I do I spoke with her on the phone. She made it clear that she wanted to prosecute. All right. I'm not going to go back and forth and tell her that you're going to pay her in cash. >> I can cash out >> No no no listen. I I don't need to >> Listen I know what you what you trying to what you what you doing >> I didn't know it was nothing. >> Just as brother to brother bro. Can you please ask her >> No sir. Listen listen to me. No sir. >> He He He He He He made it He said that's how it okay I know bro >> But if you give me the chance to figure out what's going to happen here again right now you're detained. You gave me the story on what happened. Now I just need a minute with me. Talk with my supervisor real quick and figure out the next step. All right. I'm No. Listen. All right. Awesome. Sergeant on the way. I'm not I'm not going to call her and tell her you'll pay her in cash. I can That's not how this works. Okay? I'm going to talk to him. >> 322 you all set 4? >> Yeah I'm going to go from there. All right. Let's talk with you. You got me? >> Yeah like I was telling like I was telling the both of the officers we just got to be cool, man. I just paid my friend a discounted price to be able to get the room. I didn't know none of this was going on. If there's a way that I can pay the lady cash, we don't have much, but I can definitely pay her something for the for the inconvenience, but I can't afford to go to jail right now. I got six kids. >> Like I said, I'm just trying to see if there's a person on the other end of this credit card that's being victimized. His name is Justin. >> So I can give her the money back. >> I don't know. That's not my decision. >> Yeah, I'm just asking if since you said she could contact with you guys, can you please see if you guys can contact her and see if she can pay her cash or cash app her. I don't know what's going on inside the room. >> do you know this person? >> No, the the lady. >> Do you know whose Have you seen whose credit card this is? >> I don't know the lady at all. >> Although he had tried to make amends, his worst fears were about to come true. >> All right. You going to jail. You going to be arrested, all right? We found his transaction card. Follow me. Uh do you want to talk with him? The detective gave you the option to ask if you want to talk with him. >> Yeah, we out. >> That's yes or no. It's up to you. >> Yeah, man, we out. Yes. >> Okay, I'm going to transport you to the jail. I'll let you what? I'm going to transport you to the jail and let you talk to the detective. All right. Okay, you going to the You going to the station. He going to the station. >> Okay, cool. >> Yeah, you ain't got to tell me. You going to the station. You want to go talk to him? >> Oh, sorry. >> Okay. >> He just going to go to the police department. That's what we mean. We going to the police department. >> No. >> Yeah, hold on. Hold on. >> Come on. >> So I'm going to like Is this for real? Why am I getting detained, bro? >> I explained all that to you already, sir. >> but I thought bro said you guys were trying to work out an option for me. >> I'm sorry. >> Bro, the other officer >> That's That's the option. >> All right. >> Why you being so mean to me? >> mean to I'm not being mean. You You did it, sir. You got to be held responsible for what you do. I'm doing my job. You got to be held responsible. >> Like and I would spend more money. >> I got you. >> We also have to go to my grandmother's house eventually. >> you can go and you can talk to the >> We also have so many clothes up there, bro. We are homeless, bro. >> You can go and you can talk to the detective. That's the only option right now. >> Bro. >> In the end, he was charged with financial transaction card fraud and was taken to the DeKalb County Jail. >> The last scammer was a real piece of work, just like this season scammer who got caught unprepared [music] inside a bank and responded with excuses so ridiculous, it sounded like his brain cells had clocked out for the day. >> So. >> Okay. So, what brings you to the bank today? >> Just wanted to print out some of my portfolio. >> We're here concerning some uh some information. Do you have any idea what you did? Well, I mean, we're trying to get to to the bottom of it. Some things have been brought to our attention where it may be an issue. >> It seems to be a problem here. You know, if it's kind of check the front of my >> On April the 21st, 2023, Chamblee police officers responded to a concerning call from the Delta Community Credit Union. A man had presented a fake ID belonging to a bank member attempting to access sensitive account information. The corporate security had alerted the police informing them that the individual was impersonating other members and had already stolen $155,000 from accounts at the credit union. [music] Upon arrival, the officers went on to engage with the suspect in an effort to identify his true identity and intentions. But, what the suspect did not know was that the officers had a tip from security. >> Hey, how you doing? I'm Officer Minor Chamblee Police. How you doing? Uh pretty good. Um We're here concerning some uh some information. Do you have your ID with you? >> How do you spell How do you say your name? >> Osei. I'm going to spell it Samuel Osei. >> I'll check it on the computer. >> So, okay. So, what brings you to the bank today? >> Just wanted to print out from my portfolio. >> Are you being helped right now? >> She was trying to help me. >> Okay. Okay. All right. Well, I mean, we're trying to get to to the bottom of it. Some things have been brought to our attention where it may be an issue. They The bank has. We're just trying to confirm some basic information first. Before we get started, we just want to know who you are. You told us your name. We're just going to verify your ID first. And once we get that verified, we'll just go from there. All right. Everything checks out. >> The suspect had initially claimed he was at the bank to print out information for his portfolio. However, suspicions arose when he was asked for his personal details. >> What's your name, sir? >> Samuel Osei. >> Who? Okay. What's your home address? >> Osei. >> What's your home address on your license? Don't Don't pull it out. Just tell me from memory. From memory, where do you live? What's the address? >> I just moved there recently. Got me living So, you just moved there recently? What's your date of birth? Without looking at your license, what's your date of birth, sir? You don't remember? Take a Take a deep breath and think about it. What year were you born? What's that, sir? What month and What month and day? August the 13th? Oh, okay. >> Seeing his inability to share his personal details, the officers had no choice but to let the guy face karma for his actions. >> Don't make any sudden moves. Turn around, put your hands behind your back. Don't make any sudden moves. I got squared away. It's going to be a forgery. Ready to show one to customer. Sir, you're being arrested and for right now, under suspicion of forgery and fraud. Do you have any questions? I have not read you any Miranda, so I'm not asking you any questions at this time, but you are arrested. Something about you have a right to remain silent, etc., etc. I'm not going to go through that just right now, but I'm not going to ask you any questions if you are. Yeah, I'm not going to do it I'll do it in the car. Well, that I'm not really clear on, but I know the name he gave me is not true. I'm going to Mirandize him and give him an opportunity to give me that information. See, that's what they gave me. The paperwork that I had on the Where's that paperwork at? Oh. My bad. I'm sorry, sir. Hey, where's that paperwork y'all gave me? Okay. Will you Do they need it? Yeah. But could you make me a copy? Okay. Oh, yeah, definitely. I mean, even if even if that's not who he says he is, that's somebody. Oh, yeah, that's an African guy. You're not African, are you? Don't answer that. I'm Miranda. >> Do you want to step in? >> But step twice. I got you. What's your real name? >> What? >> I'm still in Miranda over here. Hey, he ain't going to tell you. You going to tell him his name now? >> What's your real name? >> So, that is him. >> Yes, sir. >> Good news is you won't get charged for that. >> What's your car type? >> Hey, the Hey. No, she locked the bathroom. No, you can have my own key. It's all good. >> In the end, they were taken to jail and charged with forgery in the first degree, identity fraud using another person's information, and forgery of a financial transaction card.