Target security agents bust employee in $25,000 coupon fraud case www.privateofficer.com

Waterford CT March 29 2011 – A former cashier at Target was charged Wednesday with first-degree larceny for allegedly defrauding the store out of $24,894 in a coupon-manipulation scheme.

According to an affidavit, Richie R. Hanson, 21, of Uncasville, allegedly used an override function on a store cash register to obtain multiple discounts on merchandise.

In an interview with police, Hanson said that every Wednesday between Oct. 17, 2010, and Dec. 5, 2010, three men would come to the store with coupons for $10 and $20 off items such as a television stand and a Star Wars All-Terrain Armored Transport Vehicle.

The three men would then purchase cellphones and other items, according to the affidavit. Hanson allegedly would punch a key on the register bringing the total to less than $100.

The affidavit said the three men would then pay Hanson $50 and take him out to dinner.

Security workers at Target began to suspect Hanson when a gift card with a balance of $437 was found on the floor near the checkout aisles.

A check of the gift card’s transaction history revealed that it was linked to Hanson’s register log-in.

Target said it fired Hanson on Dec. 8, 2010, after he signed a statement admitting to the total amount of money associated with the coupon fraud.

Hanson is due to appear in New London Superior Court on April 7.

Waterford police did not comment on whether the case is still open.
Source:theday.com