Fast Food Scam Unveiled: Inmates’ Debit Card Scheme
Fast food lovers, beware! As inflation continues to rise, popular chains like McDonald’s and Chipotle have been boosting their prices. But that’s not the only concern in the world of fast food.
In a bizarre and complex plot, some crafty individuals at an Indiana Hardee’s have been swiping customers’ debit card details to help inmates escape from jail. Yep, you read that right. Let’s break down this eyebrow-raising story.
A few weeks ago, sharp-eyed officials at La Porte County Jail noticed large sums of money flowing from outside the prison into inmates’ Securus accounts. These accounts are used by prisoners to make calls and other transactions. What raised suspicions was the money transfer from external sources into these accounts.
But it gets even crazier. The inmates allegedly used the illicit funds to bail themselves out of jail. They then slyly transferred the remaining balance to a debit card issued by the jail. It was a sophisticated scheme involving money laundering, turning “dirty money” into “clean money.”
The investigation took off when Chief of Detectives Capt. Andy Hynek launched a formal probe. It soon led to a network involving employees at a Hardee’s restaurant in Michigan City.
Here’s how it worked: A handful of Hardee’s employees, during August and September, reportedly snapped photos of debit and credit cards belonging to drive-thru customers. These accounts were then used to pump money into the Securus accounts of inmates with low bail amounts. Once the inmates had their hands on the funds, they’d make a swift exit from jail.
But the madness didn’t end there. After leaving jail, the former inmates would head to nearby ATMs and withdraw the balance from the jail-issued debit card, which, believe it or not, is part of the standard procedure.
The total amount of fraudulent charges added up to $14,700. While authorities didn’t disclose the specific Hardee’s location, there’s only one in Michigan City on Franklin Street.
Thankfully, the victims, initially just looking for a quick meal in the drive-thru, are working with their banks to get their money back.
The sheriff’s office wasn’t playing around. They identified ten individuals involved in this scheme, and arrest warrants were swiftly issued for all of them. The charges include fraud and criminal organizational activity. Four of the suspects are already behind bars, with efforts underway to apprehend the remaining five. Only one person, Dylnn V. Scott, is still at large, and authorities are urging the public to report any tips on his whereabouts.
In the end, the sheriff’s office expressed relief that they spotted the irregularities early on, preventing more innocent citizens from falling victim to this bizarre fast food-fueled crime.
Stay tuned for updates on this peculiar case as it unfolds.