WHAT A GREAT TOOL AND COMMUNITY

We here at the Michigan City police department never imagined such a response from the community!

This “Bait & Switch” scam involves the use of a Gift Cards

A victim shopping at Wal-Mart was approached by a white female, medium build, approx. 40 years old with blonde stringy hair accompanied by a child. The female stated that it was an emergency and she needed immediate “Cash” and that all she had was a fifty dollar Wal-Mart Girt Card. She explained that she would gladly give her the $50.00 card for only $35.00 in cash as she needed to have cash right away due to her “emergency”.

On November 7^th we had this unfortunate “Scam” occur to a citizen of our city at the local Wal-Mart. We then decided to warn our community through the local news media in a press release and also our Facebook page.

On November 9^th a Press Release was issued along with some photos of the alleged suspect. Needless to say within a half hour after posting, the investigating officer, Detective Cooney received calls from others whom were also attempted to be scammed by the same individual around Halloween.

Within an hour of the posting we had three calls to Detective Cooney in which he received not only the name of the alleged scammer but also information that almost immediately she cashed in this gift card at another local business in which they came forward with video of her wearing the exact same clothing!

With all of this information and further evidence by Detective Cooney he can proceed forward with obtaining a warrant for the suspect’s arrest.

We want to take this opportunity to thank the citizen’s of Michigan City and our 5,621 current Face book followers and friends for assisting us in bringing this type of information forward and aiding in the identification and apprehension of suspected criminals.

As always if you feel that you have been scammed or someone is attempting to cheat you please contact Sgt. Chris Yagelski 873-1461 ext. #333 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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