This “Bait & Switch” scam involves the use of a Gift Card
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”.
Of course the victim was very suspicious of this and said, “no”. The victim feeling sorry for the woman and her child then had a change of heart and told the woman if this is true then let us both go up front to the Service Desk to check the validity of the card. The woman agreed and they went to the desk.
Once at the desk the card was swiped and it showed a balance of $53.91. The victim feeling bad and sorry for the woman and child then gave her $50.00 for the card and thought she was still $3.91 ahead. The woman thanked her numerous times, gave her the printout receipt and left the store.
You can now imagine that the victim feeling good about helping someone continued her shopping and went to pay for her purchases with the gift card. Of course it was no good and the receipt from earlier was from another card as the woman just “switched” the cards before handing it to the victim.
We are investigating this con game and reviewing the store security cameras however please during this upcoming holiday season be aware of this scam and others as scammers prey on people all of the time using all sorts of cons including the use of children.
If you are approached in any store with a suspicious request PLEASE contact the store manager for assistance and they in turn may call the police. The Michigan City Police do not mind answering these types of calls as we will help to insure what is legitimate and what is not.