Craigslist Scam Strikes Ft. Wayne
By: Nadia Bashir
Updated: September 11, 2009
Ft. Wayne Police arrested 30-year-old Randy Hatter, of Flint, Michigan, on Wednesday for a multi-state scam on the popular website Craigslist. Hatter faces three felony counts of theft and one misdemeanor charge of deception. Hatter served jail time for identity theft in Michigan.
Police say Hatter posted job openings on Craigslist for childcare, janitorial work and lawn care. They say he would meet applicants in person, tell them they were perfect for the job and then take $25 in cash for a background search. Hatter said the money would be returned if the applicant got the job.
Two women from Ft. Wayne approached police with the scam. Police busted Hatter after a sting at a downtown Starbucks on Jefferson. Police found fifty-pages of names in Hatters car including people in Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and Maryland.
Police are trying to find as many victims as they can. If you believe you have been scammed by Hatter, contact Detective Casey Furge at 260-427-1201.
