Police warn shoppers after Walmart impersonator steals hundreds from customer
The incident has caught the attention of shoppers in Riverhead, many of whom say the case serves as a reminder to be cautious.
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Police are asking for the public's help identifying a man they say posed as a Walmart employee and scammed a customer out of $900 at the Riverhead store.
According to Suffolk County police, the incident happened around noon on May 23 at the Walmart on Old Country Road.
Investigators say the victim, who works at a nearby car dealership, was approached by the scammer, who said he would get the victim a good deal on a TV if he gave him a good deal on a car.
Police say the two met at the store and the victim handed him $900 in cash. Police say the suspect then walked away and eventually left the store without returning.
The incident has caught the attention of shoppers in Riverhead, many of whom say the case serves as a reminder to be cautious.
"You have to be careful no matter where you are," said Riverhead resident Ruthann Budd. "If something is too good to be true, it usually is.”
Budd said she was surprised someone would trust an offer like the one police described but added that scams can happen anywhere.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Suffolk Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous, and information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
