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ATOKA, OK – In a brazen scheme that has left local authorities baffled, thieves managed to score over $1,400 in gift cards using counterfeit cash. The incident occurred at a popular retail store in Atoka, where the suspects employed fake bills to purchase the cards, leading to a swift investigation by law enforcement.
According to police reports, the two suspects visited the store on multiple occasions over the past week, each time buying various gift cards using the counterfeit currency. Surveillance footage from the store shows the pair playing it cool as they completed their transactions, seemingly unaware of the repercussions their actions would entail.
Store employees began to suspect something was amiss after receiving multiple complaints from other customers about the authenticity of the bills. The tipping point arrived when employees examined the cash tendered and confirmed it to be counterfeit. They promptly contacted the authorities, who took quick action to investigate the situation.
“We urge all retailers and consumers to be vigilant and check their cash carefully,” said Atoka Police Chief Alex Johnson. “Criminals often look for easy targets, and we need the community’s help in identifying these individuals to prevent further incidents.”
Authorities are now reviewing the video footage in hopes of identifying the suspects. Meanwhile, residents of Atoka are advised to be cautious and report any suspicious activity or fraudulent transactions to the police immediately.
This alarming incident serves as a reminder that counterfeit currency can affect anyone, and staying vigilant is crucial.
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