Meijer Loses $800K to Retail Fraud Scheme

An organized crime ring has cost Meijer over $800,000 due to a scheme involving counterfeit coupon barcodes that lasted several years, with losses peaking at $134,000 in early 2022 alone. Nine individuals, many of whom are related or closely associated, have been named in court documents; eight have faced criminal charges, primarily for conducting a criminal enterprise. Prosecutor Chris Becker noted an increase in group retail fraud, highlighting the creativity in the methods used to steal. Key defendant Travis Gale was linked to 90 fraudulent transactions totaling approximately $9,000 within a two-month timeframe in 2022. The scheme reportedly began in 2018 and was uncovered when Meijer detected significant financial discrepancies. The investigation revealed stolen gift cards and fraudulent activity concentrated in Meijer locations in Grandville and Walker, Michigan.