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23-Year-Old Allegedly Swindled Walmart Out Of $1.3 Million In Fake Returns Before Getting Caught

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Nick Givas Media And Politics Reporter
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Thomas Frudaker was caught allegedly scamming Walmart with false returns and might have even cost the company $1.3 million in losses, before finally being tracked down by police.

The 23-year-old had been returning items to the popular retail chain, but would allegedly remove valuable parts and pieces before giving the items back. He had used the scam at thousands of stores nationwide over the past 18 months, according to ABC News. (RELATED: Walmart Makes Big Move To Keep Up With Amazon)

Authorities caught up with Frudaker in Yuma, Arizona Wednesday, after they were called in for what seemed to be a routine case of fraudulent return. Frudaker had been caught trying to return a computer after swiping essential parts from the machine and placing it back inside the box, ABC News reported.

Frudaker was arrested and booked into Yuma County Adult Detention Facility after it was discovered he had been running the scam at multiple stores. He was charged with six felonies: Two counts of theft, two counts of criminal damage and two counts of fraudulent schemes and artifices.

He is being held on a $40,000 bond and is due to appear in court Monday, according to ABC News.

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