APD region 1 detectives are warning local restaurant and business owners about a theft by deception scam. Suspect, Kevin Joseph Reese, White male, 52 years of age has been involved in gathering information about who the owner of a business is and then calling the business, pretending to be the owner and telling the employee that a customer will be coming in for a refund because they were over charged. He then shows up at the business and the employee gives him the refund, thinking it is a legitimate refund.
 
If you are a business and receive a call from 512-217-3447 or 512-668-4150 and the person on the other end is either gathering information about the owner or saying they are the owner and that a customer is coming in for a refund, please be aware that this is most likely a scam.
 
Current APD cases:
1) January 31, 2018, 18-0311427 - Mr. Gattis
2) March 3, 2018, 18-5008162 - Voodoo Donuts
3) March 17, 2018, 18-0771749 - Mama Fu’s
4) March 9, 2018, 18-5009283 - Tiff treats
5) March 18, 2018, 18-0771749 - Enoteca Vespaio Restaurant
 
Additionally, Reese was arrested by Austin Police at the beginning of 2018 for the same type of scams.
 
Below is surveillance video from November 25, 2018 at the Midtown corner store near Lamar and St. John’s. Photos of Reese are below. https://youtu.be/zPeG42Xb4TU
  
If you believe you are a victim, call 311 and make a non-emergency report or 911 if this is actively happening. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.