How a $34,000 Toy Scam Exploited Retail Refund Systems
A California man cooked up a scheme to get refunds from a popular toy company. Authorities say the scheme didn’t rely on traditional theft, but instead on manipulating return and reimbursement policies, an approach that’s becoming harder for retailers to detect.
Police accuse Jarrelle Augustine of buying $34,000 of LEGO kids and pieces, including minifigs, and replacing them with bags of uncooked Goya elbow pasta, according to the New York Times. He then resealed the boxes and returned them to the stores where he bought them.
Target reported about 70 thefts across five states that were tied to Augustine, according to the Irvine Police on social media.
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- "These aren’t LEGO, they’re impastas!"
- "That’s inpastable!"
- "He said, Pasta la vista, LEGO!"
- "Yeah, but think of all the PASTABILITIES."
This is not the biggest heist; some thieves have stolen more than $100,000 in LEGO kits and minis from burgleries.
Don't Get Caught in Hot Water
The Irvine Police Department warns others not to copy Augustine’s scheme.
“If your master plan involves swapping LEGOs for linguine, we can promise your plan will be cooked al dente,” the police said.
LEGOs Have Great Resale Value
Marketplace fraud is a growing crime trend, and thieves are becoming better at tricking big box stores and online consumers. These tactics can harm consumers if retailers aren't checking returns. Customers may end up with a box of elbow noodles instead of the kit they think they bought.
LEGO kits can range from very affordable to pricey. You can get LEGO's Monster Truck for $15. LEGO has announced May the 4th deals. From the Star Wars collection, Jabba’s Sail Barge is $499.99, and the Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser is $649.99 on the LEGO site.
Some kits and minifigs have major resale value, such as the LEGO San Diego Comic-Con 2013 Spider-Man, which is valued at more than $15,000, according to BrickEconomy.
Crime Across America
Augustine isn't the first person to come up with this scheme. A former Wells Fargo Banker, Ryan Cahill was sentenced to six years in prison for stealing more than $100,000 in LEGOs from Charlotte, North Caroline big box stores. He made about $225,000 through an eBay account called "brikbybrik,"