Apopka Police Launch Search for Suspect in Alleged Walmart Scam Incident

APOPKA, Fla. – Authorities in Apopka are on the lookout for a man accused of orchestrating a scam outside a local Walmart, where he reportedly convinced a victim to hand over a substantial amount of cash by exploiting shared religious beliefs, according to police reports.

Police have distributed surveillance images of the suspect, highlighting that the incident took place outside the Walmart located on the 1700 block of South Orange Blossom Trail.

According to investigators, the suspect approached the victim, claiming he had recently come into a large inheritance and expressed a desire to donate some of it to charity. By engaging in a conversation about shared religious convictions, the suspect allegedly gained the victim’s trust and ultimately persuaded them to part with cash.

Police noted that during the exchange, a second individual appeared briefly, seemingly to lend credibility to the suspect’s tale. After securing the money, the suspect reportedly departed the scene with what officers describe as a “large sum of money.”

Shoppers at the Walmart expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of vigilance when approached by strangers.

“Especially around the holidays, you have to be careful about who you talk to,” one shopper remarked. “It’s best not to share personal or religious details with people you don’t know.”

Another shopper said the scam left them concerned.

“That makes me feel sick,” the shopper said. “I hope they can get the money back somehow.”

Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the man in the surveillance images or has information about the case to contact Apopka police or Crimestoppers.