Detectives conducted Probation searches on 2 of the suspects’ residences and seized their cell phones and computers. The NC3TF Detective was able to identify the suspects (2 men and 1 woman) and found that the 2 men were on probation. The three were using 5 pro rewards accounts and between November 2013 and April 2015 the suspects had accessed 9,929 eReceipts and then used 685 of those receipts to return $46,520.00 in stolen merchandise Three Solano County individuals were identified as possible suspects.
Home Depot Investigations reviewed their records looking for return transactions that fit this profile and identified potential suspects using this method. The suspects then steal the corresponding merchandise and return it for cash using the electronic receipts. The scam consisted of opening a Pro rewards account, and then by deciphering the point of sale electronic receipt numbering logic, the suspects can attach sales made by other Pro Rewards customers along with their electronic receipts to the suspects Pro Rewards account. NC3TF Detectives worked with Home Depot Loss Prevention after a suspect who had been arrested out-of- state told authorities of a scam being perpetrated through the home Depot Pro Rewards app.
