McDonald's Worker, 19, Arrested on Suspicion of Double-Charging Customers and Funneling Nearly $700 to His Personal Account By Kimberlee Speakman

A 19-year-old McDonald’s worker from Texas has been arrested after allegedly engaging in a fraudulent scheme that targeted customers paying by credit card.

The Springtown Police Department (SPD) shared on social media that Giovanni Primo Blount, 19, of Poolville, was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 18, after allegedly charging customers twice when purchased items at McDonald’s in Springtown.

Police allege he would process legitimate customer payments and then would “tap” their credit card on a personal device, “fraudulently charging an additional $10–$20 per transaction.” Authorities noted that the money was “routed to an account under his control.”

“Investigators believe Blount allegedly obtained approximately $680 before being apprehended,” SPD said.

Authorities noted that anyone who recently visited the McDonald’s and paid using a debit or credit card should review their bank and card statements for any unauthorized or suspicious charges. They also shared that some impacted customers have already received refunds.

Blount was initially charged with theft of property — between $100–$750 — and was detained in Parker County Jail on a $30,000 bond.

Police shared in a Jan. 19 update that the 19-year-old’s charges had been upgraded after they determined that he used his personal device for more than 50 transactions. He has now been charged with fraudulent use or possession of identifying information on more than 50 items, which is a first-degree felony.

Blount posted bond and has been released from jail pending court proceedings, SPD said.

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SPD also shared financial safety and security tips, including reviewing bank and credit card statements frequently and setting up transaction alerts through their bank or card issuer for real-time notifications.

Authorities also noted that customers should check their activity frequently and if they notice any suspicious charges, should report it immediately to their financial institution.

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Other tips included keeping a credit or debit card out of sight when possible and using mobile wallets or contactless payments that “tokenize card information and prevent any third party from having physical control of your card.” Police also advised customers to regularly change pins and banking passwords.

“Your vigilance plays a critical role in preventing financial crimes and helping law enforcement protect our community,” SPD said. “If you see something suspicious or believe your financial information has been compromised, report it promptly.”