Retailers Beware of the “Quick Change” Scam

By Lance Lowry

08-28-2028

The Woodlands, Texas – Yesterday the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release that deputies assigned to The Woodlands Patrol Division responded to a report of a suspicious person at The Woodlands Mall. 

Deputies were advised that a suspect was allegedly engaging in a scam known as a “Quick Change”.  The scam works by using a sleight-of-hand trick designed to deceive cashiers into accepting less money than the total purchase amount and can yield receiving more change than the amount given to the cashier. 

According to the Sheriffs Office the suspect was located within the mall, where he attempted to flee the scene. After a brief foot chase, Deputies were able to apprehend him.

A search of the suspects vehicle uncovered merchandise and over $18,000 in cash, all allegedly linked to various thefts across multiple stores.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Detectives responded to aid in the investigation. The suspect was identified as 26-year-old lon Szep, who was wanted on multiple felony warrants throughout the United States. 

According to jail records Szep was arrested for the alleged theft on August 22.  A $60,000 bond was set on the suspect for Theft Over $2,500 under $30,000, which is a State Jail Felony punishable up to 2 years in prison.  In addition to this charge he is being held on out of state warrants for Fugitive From Justice, Money Laundering over $2,500 Under $30,000, Tampering With a Government Record With Intent to Defraud / Harm, and Fraudulent Use / Possession of Identifying Information Number of Items.

“This arrest is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Deputies and Detectives,” said Sheriff Rand Henderson. “Their swift response and thorough investigation led to the apprehension of a suspect with a history of criminal activity across the country.”