BETTENDORF, Iowa—
For the last few months, the Bettendorf Police Department has taken two reports from Subway, 1789 Kimberly Road, one report from Taco Bell, 3566 Middle Road, and one report from Subway, 3374 Middle Road all reporting that they were victims of a quick change scam artist.These incidents seem to be related and it appears to be the same person or group of people targeting the fast food restaurants.
It's been reported that the suspect enters the business during busy times when there is a long line or during shift changes when there are the most distractions. The suspect purchases a small low cost item such as a cookie or yogurt and then pays with a large denomination such as a $100 or $50 bill asking for change. He will then confuse the cashier by changing his mind several times as to how he wants the change returned to him or that he now wants to pay with a smaller bill. By the time the scam is completed the suspect has walked out with anywhere from $20-$100 extra in their pocket.
Incidents have been reported also in Davenport, Moline, and Rock Island where they have been mostly targeting Subway Restaurants with the most recent occurring on Sunday, November 1 in Davenport at Subway, 3301 W. Kimberly Road. Video surveillance is being collected at this time in order to try and identify the suspects.
One suspect has been described as a black male 6'0", slightly stocky build, approximately 50 years old.
The other suspect is described as a black male 6'0", thinner build approximately 25-30 years old. Vehicle descriptions given have been a metallic colored Chevy Suburban, black Chevy Blazer, or a smaller black pick-up truck.
If you have any information on this scam, please call the Bettendorf Police Department at 563-344-4015
