3 wanted after stealing $2,000 at Family Dollar using gift card scheme

MARTINEZ, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Three suspects are wanted after stealing $2,000 at a Family Dollar on South Belair Road.

On Jan. 12 around 3:15 p.m., Columbia County deputies responded to Family Dollar in the 300 block of South Belair Road in reference to a theft of $2,000.

Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the store manager who stated three Black males walked into the store and proceeded to the gift card section, where they grabbed six gift cards.

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One at a time, they paid for the gift cards in separate transactions, ing a YouTube card to the next suspect. The YouTube card was used to purchase each gift card.

When the suspect swiped the YouTube card, it acted as a cash transaction and a receipt would print. Two transactions were declined, while four transactions were approved. The approved transactions consisted of a Nike gift card, Apple gift card, Pay as You Go Starter and a Vanilla Direct Pay card- each valued at $500.

After the suspects left, the cashier notified the store manager. They checked the , which was short $2,000.

Two of the suspects were wearing black hoodies and black hats. The third suspect was wearing a black Adidas jacket and black beanie hat.

If anyone has any information on the suspects, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office at 706-541-2800.