Michigan Retailer Targeted by Organized Crime Ring Out $800K

An organized crime ring that targeted Meijer stores in Michigan has cost the retailer more than $800K.

Prosecutors say nine people were in on the scheme, using counterfeit coupon barcodes to fraudulently obtain Visa and MasterCard gift cards. The scheme took place over several years, beginning in 2018.

Nine People Accused in Meijer Fraud Scheme

According to WOOD-TV, nine people who are married, related, or closely associated with one another were named in court documents. Criminal cases were filed against eight of those nine people:  Christine Day, Travis Gale, Travis Plotts, Kristin Ragen, Thomas Ragen, Efrain Tejada, Elizabeth Tejada, and Sara Tejada.

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One of the defendants, Travis Gale, was observed on surveillance video or linked electronically to 90 transactions using counterfeit barcodes totaling about $9,000 during a two-month period in 2022.

Most of the fraudulent transactions were executed at Meijer stores in Grandville and Walker. Meijer is based in Grand Rapids, operating 123 stores in Michigan and 142 additional stores in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.

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Meijer discovered the discrepancy in 2022, saying the losses totaled $805,000.

Retail Fraud Rings in Michigan

Chris Becker is the Prosecutor in Kent County. He tells the TV station that large groups working together to commit retail fraud is on the rise in Michigan.

“It’s amazing how they find unique ways to steal,” Becker said. “It’s not just walking into stores and taking items. They come up with creative ways to steal.”