A Scottsdale man has been arrested in connection with a gift card fraud scheme at Walmart stores at multiple locations in seven Valley cities.
Court records show that, for four months last year, a man planned and executed a $28,000 gift card fraud scheme at Valley Wal-Mart stores from Gilbert to El Mirage.
Scottsdale police arrested 23-year-old Jarryn Artrell Johnson on February 22 near 90th Street and McDowell Road, driving the same Black BMW seen on surveillance video in many of the thefts.
Take a look at the map below to see which detailed information about which Walmarts Johnson robbed.
Police say that from August to December 2016, Johnson would allegedly take several pre-paid reloadable gift cards to the checkout counter where the cashier would swipe an invalid credit card. He would then tell the cashier that he'll use cash to make the purchase instead. When the clerk switched the transaction to cash, the cards would automatically and instantly activate. Johnson would then grab the cards and flee the store.
Johnson and an accomplice used this scheme to successfully grab $14,000 worth of gift cards from Walmart stores in seven cities all over Maricopa County. They were also unsuccessful in getting another $14,000 worth of cards.
Scottsdale police, in cooperation with Walmart security, tracked down Johnson from the license plate on his car, seen at several of the theft locations.
Upon his arrest Johnson reportedly denied any wrongdoing, saying "It was Walmart’s issue."
Police say there are other pending reports of more thefts coming. Johnson has been charged with fraudulent schemes.
