A Georgia woman is making headlines across the country after allegedly stealing a customer’s credit card information at a Whataburger drive-thru and using it to pay off her own probation fees. Law enforcement officials in Senoia, Georgia, are searching for 25-year-old Aleefah Sumpter, who is now on the run after failing to turn herself in for charges of identity fraud and financial transaction card fraud.
According to authorities, Sumpter was working at a Whataburger in Newnan, Georgia, when she processed a customer’s debit card transaction and allegedly copied the card information. Shortly after, a fraudulent transaction of $400 was made to the Coweta County State Court Probation Office, prompting the victim to report the suspicious charge to their bank. When investigators looked into the matter, they traced the payment back to Sumpter, who was already on probation for an unrelated offense.
The victim, who had only used the card at Whataburger prior to noticing the unauthorized charge, was able to confirm that Sumpter had been the employee handling the transaction at the drive-thru window. Police say that surveillance footage and financial records further corroborated the case against her. Following an investigation, law enforcement officers contacted Sumpter, and she initially agreed to turn herself in. However, she never showed up, and police now believe she has fled the state, possibly to Florida.
Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Sumpter, and they are asking for the public’s help in locating her. Law enforcement officials have dubbed the case one of the most “unbelievably reckless” crimes they have encountered, with some referring to her as the “world’s dumbest criminal” due to the nature of the offense—using a stolen credit card to make a payment directly to a government agency.
Sumpter now faces multiple charges, including identity fraud, financial transaction card fraud, and theft by deception. Given her failure to appear, additional charges may be added, including obstruction of justice. If convicted, she could face several years in prison.
While it remains unclear how long Sumpter had been engaging in fraudulent activity, police are now investigating whether she may have stolen credit card information from other customers. Officials are urging anyone who visited the Newnan Whataburger during Sumpter’s employment to review their bank statements for unauthorized charges.
This case has sparked widespread ridicule and criticism online, with social media users pointing out the irony of Sumpter’s alleged crime. “How dumb do you have to be to use stolen credit card info to pay the government?” one user commented. Others have drawn comparisons to previous cases of criminals making obvious mistakes, such as shoplifters leaving their identification at crime scenes or suspects posting their illegal activities on social media.
Despite the public mockery, law enforcement officials stress that financial fraud is a serious offense and urge the public to take steps to protect themselves. Identity theft and financial transaction fraud have been on the rise, with criminals employing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal personal information. Experts recommend regularly monitoring bank statements, using secure payment methods, and being cautious when handing over credit or debit cards, even at well-established businesses.
As authorities continue their search for Sumpter, they are asking anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact the Senoia Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement officials hope to apprehend her soon.
Sources:
- Whataburger employee accused of stealing credit card to pay for probation fees
- Whataburger employee wanted for allegedly stealing debit card to pay probation
- Whataburger employee accused of using customer’s card to pay probation fines
- Metro Atlanta Whataburger employee allegedly swiped customer’s card to pay probation fees
- Whataburger employee wanted for allegedly stealing debit card to pay probation
