'Quick Change Scam' Hits Two Sterling Stores

STERLING, VA — A JCPenny department store and later a Wegmans grocery store were victimized last Wednesday by a "quick change" scam, and the description of the perpetrator given to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office in both incidents is nearly identical. Employees from both stores described a light-skinned black man in his late 20s to early 30s, around 180 pounds with black hair. They said he was wearing a black t-shirt, blue jeans, a dark hat and a gold watch on his left arm.

In the first incident, shortly before noon in the 21000 block of Dulles Town Circle, the man paid $100 for a candy purchase and then tried to quickly take the money and pay with exact change before being confronted by another employee about the quick change scam. The man fled. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts. Also, like us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

In the second incident, shortly before 9 p.m. in the 45000 block of Columbia Place, the man tried the same scam multiple times until being confronted about his actions by employees.

National Capital Area Crime Stoppers has a description of the scam and how to avoid it:

"Quick change scam is when an individual targets inexperienced cashiers by paying for small-priced items with a large bill ($50). Before the cashier could give back the change the suspect would engage the cashier in a speedy series of money exchanges, thereby confusing the cashier. In the confusion, the suspect would tell the cashier how much money to give back thus short changing the cashier.

"In some instances suspect(s) work in teams of two where one suspect would handle the money exchange while the second suspect act as a distraction to confuse the cashier even more. Detectives suggest to avoid being a victim to the scam, only complete the transaction for the purchase then close the cash register. If the customer is asking to exchange bills be wary of the scam and contact your manager before engaging in further interactions.

"If you become a victim of the scam, report it to the police along with a detailed physical description including clothing of the suspect(s). Ensure that any security video footage is saved and submitted with your report to the authorities. If you have information about the identity of the suspect, or any other criminal activity call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477."

Image via Patch