Community Corner

Bed-Stuy Merchants on Alert for $100 Scam Artist

He has hit several merchants on Myrtle Avenue already

The Fulton Avenue Business Alliance has issued an alert to all Fulton merchants of a scam artist who has already victimized several merchants on Myrtle Avenue as recently as today at noon.

According to reports from merchants on Myrtle Ave, the scam artist is using a “$100 bill trick," in which he gives a merchant a $100 dollar bill for a product or service and then begins to speak very loud and fast about not receiving the correct change-- a tactict to confuse and intimidate.

After causing a comotion and often gaining the attention of other customers in the store, he demands his money back, and then walks away with the $100, including the change given by the merchant.

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The scammer is described as a light-skinned clean-cut black man, between 55 and 65 years of age, approximately 6'2", dressed in a designer sport shirt, dress pants and nice shoes.  

"He always uses the $100 bill, may have a newspaper in his hand which appears to have something rolled up in it, is nicely or decently dressed and is loud/performs," described one merchant.

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The FAB alliance is asking all merchants to alert each other.

Also, if you or someone you know are a victim of this scam or think you see the person, please call 911 and report it. You may save another merchant from taking a loss.


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