MONEY EXCHANGE CON
Retail Store
100 Block of Kelley Boulevard
Millbrook, Alabama
Case: MBPD20-M200700050
Millbrook Police Department
Coalition Against Retail Theft
The Millbrook Police Department released photos of unknown males wanted in reference to a Theft By Deception investigation.
On June 24, 2020, three unknown males entered Walmart in Millbrook and scammed the cashier out of several thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise. They were possibly driving a new model (2019-2020) Toyota Camry, Silver in color.
Investigators are hoping that someone will be able to identify the scam artists through the released photos.
If you have any information regarding the identity of the male suspects or their whereabouts, please immediately call the Police or CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or download our P3-tips app. Make sure you receive a Tip ID and Password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question.
You may also use CrimeStoppers toll free number at 1-833-AL1-STOP.
Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward!
Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Quick Change Artist (National Association of Bunco Investigators NABI)
A Bunco crime; a Quick-Change Artist, or sometimes, a Short Change Artist, is someone who steals money by confusing cashiers while they are making change. They do this in many ways. Usually the thief attempts to distract or confuse the cashier during the transaction, does a quick sleight of hand, and then claims they were not given the correct amount. They’re called “artists” because they are extraordinarily good at what they do.
Common Targets
Quick-change con artists target new or inexperienced salespeople who are trying to deliver fast customer service. They also target young employees who may not be as aggressive in managing the confusion of multiple transactions and are wary of slowing down a line of customers. The types of establishments typically victimized by fast-cash scams can include fast-food joints, gas stations, hotels and even ice cream stores.
Recognizing the Con Job
Employers can train salespeople about how to spot a quick-change scam. For example, employees should be wary of customers trying to purchase a low-cost item with a large bill. Employees should request that the customer use a smaller bill for the transaction. If the customer doesn’t have smaller bill, employees can direct them to the nearest bank to break the large bill into smaller denominations. Small businesses can post signs which explicitly state that they only do transactions with bills no larger than $20. Employees should be warned of customers requesting multiple transactions and of duos that may be working together to distract them.
Stopping the Scam
Police advise that cashiers should place large bills on top of the cash register, the till or on the counter in full view. Cashiers shouldn’t put a large bill in the cash register until they’ve completed one transaction. Also, the cashier should count aloud the change that has been made. If the customer starts to barrage them with requests for multiple transactions, they should purposefully slow the transaction process down and manage each transaction separately. If the customer begins to bully or intimidate the cashier and the confusion escalates, the cashier should stop the transaction completely, close the register and call for the manager.
CA.R.T. – Coalition Against Retail Theft
Each year CrimeStoppers release numerous videos of thieves running out of retail stores with stolen merchandise. The majority of shoplifters steal in response to an impulse. The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) conducted a survey which found that around 73% of shoplifting incidents are not premeditated.
As a response to the scope and severity of organized retail crime concerns across the State of Alabama, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers has joined forces with retailers and law enforcement agencies to share information regarding organized retail crime at the local and state level.
In 2019, retail businesses filed 214 felony warrants and 464 misdemeanor warrants against shoplifters. Since 2015, 1,723 criminal charges have been filed through CART. These charges would not have been made if retail businesses were not communicating and attending our retail theft prevention meetings. These meetings are held monthly in Prattville, Montgomery, Hoover, and Leeds, Alabama. Meetings have been suspended due to COVID-19 and will start back once we feel it is safe to do so. In the meantime members are communicating and identifying shoplifters through a social media app. For more information contact Central Alabama CrimeStoppers.
Executive Director – TonyGarrett@215stop.com
Director – RayWagner@215stoop.com
See MORE photos below:
