FraudNews
12-03-2013, 11:16 AM
Maurice Owens, 42, of District Heights, thought he’d be able to scam WMATA and snag a huge settlement after he claimed he slipped on a banana peel while exiting an elevator on Aug. 8. However, this slippery scam artist had the tables turned on him and has been charged with fraud thanks to a video showing that he actually dropped the peel in the elevator.
Owens was looking for WMATA to pay $15,000 in pain and suffering compensation for his claim that he allegedly slipped on the banana peel a janitor left behind on the Potomac Avenue station elevator.
The jig was up after security footage revealed the elevator floor was clean before Owens entered the elevator. It also showed Owens getting into the elevator with something hidden in his hand. Several seconds later, Owens drops the item onto the floor.
When the doors open to the elevator, Owens starts to step out of it and purposely slips on the dropped item, causing him to stumble onto the station floor. Owens said he suffered leg and hip injuries and was taken to the hospital. When the video appeared, Owens knew the ruse was up.
Police have charged Owens with second-degree fraud. Many people who actually saw the video wondered if they thought he’d actually get away with the act. Owens’ uncle, when he finally watched the tape, shook his head the entire time.
Owens was looking for WMATA to pay $15,000 in pain and suffering compensation for his claim that he allegedly slipped on the banana peel a janitor left behind on the Potomac Avenue station elevator.
The jig was up after security footage revealed the elevator floor was clean before Owens entered the elevator. It also showed Owens getting into the elevator with something hidden in his hand. Several seconds later, Owens drops the item onto the floor.
When the doors open to the elevator, Owens starts to step out of it and purposely slips on the dropped item, causing him to stumble onto the station floor. Owens said he suffered leg and hip injuries and was taken to the hospital. When the video appeared, Owens knew the ruse was up.
Police have charged Owens with second-degree fraud. Many people who actually saw the video wondered if they thought he’d actually get away with the act. Owens’ uncle, when he finally watched the tape, shook his head the entire time.