Woman accused in fake coupon scheme that bilked Kmarts in 25 states of $100K
A West Virginia woman is accused of using a fake coupon scheme to bilk Kmart stores in 25 states out of more than $100,000 in six months, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
Tanya Thompson, who also goes by Tanya Whetzel, 37, of Martinsburg, W.Va., faces seven counts related to wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady said.
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned the indictment against Thompson on June 25. The court unsealed it this week.
Federal prosecutors allege that between June and December 2017, Thompson traveled to Kmarts in various states and bought third-party gift cards — including prepaid credit cards — by using fraudulent coupons on her mobile phone.
The total loss from the scheme is estimated at $101,567.50, Brady said.
If convicted, Thompson faces a maximum possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for each count.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting with help from the FBI.
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