Headlines

Scam Artist Tells Elaborate Tale, Uses Fraudulent Check to Rip Off Jewelry Store

Published

7 years ago

April 8, 2016

INSTORE Staff

He walked out of the shop with a $2,800 engagement ring.

Authorities say that a man walked out of La Gene Jewelers in Indiana with an engagement ring worth $2,800 after he used a fake ID and a fraudulent check linked to a non-existent bank account, WLKY reports. Part of his ruse, the article says, was an elaborate story about a planned proposal that he seemingly rehearsed very well.

"What we have here is a guy that actually thought he committed the perfect crime. He comes in, from out of town, he’s got a fake ID, he’s got fraudulent checks, he’s got fake phone numbers and he’s got a story that’s worthy of an Academy Award," Indiana State Police Sergeant Jerry Goodin told the TV station.

The store, the article adds, has since changed its policy when it comes to accepting checks.

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Wilkerson: “They Feel Like Family”

Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., was a true institution. But after being at the helm for most of his life, owner (and descendent of the original founder) Kelly Newton decided it was time to retire. He chose Wilkerson to handle the sale. “I’ve known the owners of Wilkerson for a long, long time. I felt at home with them,” he says. The final retirement sale was just a “blast” and the Wilkerson sales team made it so very simple and straightforward, says Newton. Would he recommend Wilkerson to others? Absolutely. “They’ve done incredible work,” says Newton. “They feel like family.”