Restaurant Scamming Suspects Arrested

FOLSOM, Calif. (CBS13) – Two people who allegedly tried to scam restaurants by tricking employees into giving them a fraudulent refund were arrested Sunday afternoon after a worker spotted the scam unfolding, according to authorities.

The Folsom Police Department said an alert assistant manager at the Smash Burger restaurant recognized the con when one of the suspects called Sunday, claiming to be from the company's corporate offices and letting them know a customer who was overcharged $80 would arrive soon to collect her refund.

Authorities and the Folsom Chamber of Commerce had warned businesses to be aware of the scam after two suspects, a man and a woman, tried the same scheme at several other stores around the region.

Surveillance footage of a woman who allegedly pulled off the scam at a Togo's restaurant was released to the media last week.

When assistant manager Chris Rich received the call, he grew suspicious but told the suspects the money would be available when they arrived.

Rich said he immediately called police to set up a sting.

"I went up to her and explained that the safe was on a time lock and that it would be a few minutes before I would be able to get her the money," he said.

Police swooped in and arrested Kathleen Willis inside the store and also arrested her boyfriend, 54-year-old James Armstrong, who was sitting in an allegedly stolen car outside.

Folsom authorities said they believe the suspects hit at least 5 restaurants in the Folsom area alone, and believe there could be a number of other businesses in the region who were also scammed.