Northeast Iowa Hotel Broken Into, Investigation Ongoing
The Fayette Police Department is investigating the break-in of a local hotel that started with scam phone calls.
FPD says they received a call on Monday of a potential burglary at the Boarders Inns and Suites located on West Water Street in Fayette. Their Investigation found that a female employee broke into a manager’s office, took large amounts of cash out of deposit envelopes, and left the business.
Further investigation determined that the employee received a call from an out of the country number from someone who portrayed themselves as owners of the establishment. After the fraudulent caller gained the trust of the woman, she was directed to break into the secure office, take large amounts of cash, and deposit the stolen money through BitCoin ATMs at several locations in northeast Iowa.
Fayette Police say the scammer also had the employee purchase gift cards with the stolen cash and coaxed her to ignore calls from law enforcement and family members during the investigation, resulting in a concern for her safety. Resources were used in locating her before more money could be lost.
Authorities add that Information has been turned over to state and federal agencies in the attempt to find the scammer, however, these often are not successful due to the modern advancement of technology. It’s also a reminder that these scams are becoming more creative in nature.
Assisting in the investigation were the Fayette, Allamakee and Clayton County Sheriff’s Offices as well as the Garnavillo, Guttenberg, and Postville Police Departments.
*Below is a letter posted on the City of Fayette Police Department Facebook page:
