Troopers Warn Retailers About Quick Change Scam, Seek Public's Help Locating Suspect

Location: New Castle County, Delaware

Date of Occurrence: November and December, 2013

Suspect: Warren Sampson, 68, of Philadelphia, PA (photo attached)

Resume: Wilmington – Troopers are urging retailers to be vigilant after several merchants have become victims of a Philadelphia man's quick change scam.

Throughout November and December Warren Sampson, 68, has committed thefts in at least eight stores in Wilmington, Greenville, Newark, and Bear. Sampson usually purchases a small item using a $100 bill. After the transaction is completed, Sampson claims he received incorrect change and initiates a series of rapid money exchanges with the cashier in order to correct the cashier's purported mistake. Once Sampson leaves, the cashier realizes Sampson left with the merchandise, the change, and the original $100 bill.

In at least once case, Sampson did not purchase merchandise, but asked the cashier to make change for a $100 bill. A few minutes after receiving the change, Sampson claimed he received too much change, asked to see the $100 bill and, once the cashier was distracted, left with the $100 bill and the change.

Sampson is always described as well dressed, engaging, and friendly. He sometimes distracts the cashiers by complementing them or asking them to write down information for him.

Troopers have obtained warrants for Sampson's arrest on several counts of theft.

If anyone has any information about Sampson's whereabouts, they are asked to contact the Troop 1 Retail Theft Unit at 302-528-4339, or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at: http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."