Police in Washington is looking for a man who bought food and drinks at a lemonade stand operated by an 11-year-old boy, who gave him $85 in change for the man's fake $100 bill.
Jeremy Ryzhonkov did not realize that he was paid fake money until after the man left. He told King5 that he noticed the $100 looked odd in color and size so he went to a nearby gas station to ask for help.
The staff at the gas station told him that he was paid a counterfeit bill. Worse, the $85 change he gave the swindler was the allowance money he saved up to set up and sustain his lemonade stand as he builds on his profit.
Fundraiser for boy with lemonade stand
After learning about the con, Ryzhonkov's neighbors set up a GoFundMe page to help the 11-year-old continue his lemonade stand. Within four days, donations poured for the fundraiser, which had an initial goal of $250. However, with more than 1,100 donors, the fundraiser reached more than $23,000.
Amy Steenfott, who organized the GoFundMe, wrote that Ryzhonkov is not yet aware of how much support he has received from well-meaning strangers. Steenfott, who lives next door to the boy's family, has been liaising with his parents, who are planning to tell their son the big surprise.
"This proves that there are so many great people in this world and we far surpass the bad ones," Steenfott said.
The neighbor also added that the Ryzhonkov family has two other sons who are just as hardworking as the 11-year-old boy. They offer to mow lawns or clean up yards. The boys have been constantly encouraged by their parents to learn how to earn their keep.
The boy's goal is to eventually have a vending machine to his name, which is why he opened up a lemonade stand to build his savings. The con, however, was a hard lesson learned but it has not deterred him from doing business. Despite his experience, he was back to set up his lemonade stand a few days later.
The police hope to get tips about the con man. Anyone with information may phone (425) 257-8450 for tips or message the Everett Police Department on Facebook.
Mom arrested for scamming people using her 15-month-old baby
Meanwhile, a mother in Tennessee was arrested after scamming people for money using her 15-month-old baby as props. According to KKTV, Shelecia Craig, 31, was charged with criminal impersonation and driving with a revoked license.
Craig's modus involved carrying an empty gas can in one hand with her child in the other arms as she headed towards a gas station. Out of concern, people would usually stop her to ask if she needs help and she would ask for gas money.
The mother would then drive to another location and do her modus all over again but the police started receiving complaints about her, especially on social media. When they arrested Craig, police found dozens of gas receipts in her car. she also had an outstanding theft warrant.
Her baby was turned over to the local child services agency.
