Swindler Cites Need for Money to Gamble

A man who said he needed money to gamble pulled a fast one Sunday after ordering a small fry at the McDonald's at .

The man paid with a $50, took his change and put it with money in his hand, then began counting his cash, according to the report. He had the clerk count the money, and asked if he could see the $50 with which he had paid.

The clerk said she placed the $50 bill on the counter and the man grabbed it, refused to give it back and said he needed change for gambling. As the manager tried to determine whether or not he was due change, the man left with both the $50 bill and his change.

The fast-food restaurant is out $49.

Workers saw the suspected swindler drive off in a white Chevrolet Equinox with two others—one of whom, a man, attempted the same type of theft at the gas station, according to a Pilot manager.

The staff caught on to the fraud, and he left empty-handed.