‘Con Man’ Scams Essex County Dunkin’ Donuts: Cops

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Police are searching for an alleged “con man” who scammed an Essex County Dunkin’ Donuts earlier this month by refilling their fire extinguishers and servicing their alarm system, even though he doesn’t actually work at a fire equipment company, authorities announced Tuesday.

Fairfield police are also alleging that Michael Carrion, 50, committed a similar offense in Rochelle Park and was identified as the suspect in that case. He is also wanted in Michigan, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania and California, authorities said.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, Carrion allegedly entered the Dunkin’ Donuts on Passaic Avenue on Nov. 8 around 5:30 p.m. and posed as an employee from a fire equipment company. He told one of the workers that he was there to an inspection on the fire extinguishers and fire alarm system.

Carrion allegedly told the employee to call their manager about the work. When the worker got their manager on the phone, Carrion spoke to him and got the OK to proceed. Shortly afterwards, Carrion declared that he was done with the work and asked for a $476 payment, which the employee handed over. Carrion even provided the worker with an invoice for the transaction, police said.

It wasn’t until the next day that the manager of the Dunkin’ Donuts realized that Carrion didn’t actually work for any such company and that the visit was a scam, police stated.

Fairfield police have issued a warrant for Carrion’s arrest. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Fairfield Police Department Investigative Division at (973) 227-1400.

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Photo: Fairfield Police Department