Restaurant Credit Card Scam Busted

Two employees of a local restaurant have been busted for allegedly skimming thousands from customers' credit cards.

From hotels to fancy dinners, the suspects are accused of making numerous charges -- and police said more victims could be out there.

Authorities said the person they believe was the mastermind behind the credit card scam has pleaded guilty on all counts. The remaining question: whether there are others involved in the scam that are still out there.

Apparently some customers who ate at the Hot Stix Stir Fry Kitchen in Lindbergh City Center weren't just charged for their meals.

"It's not now," said Atlanta Police Detective A. Thompson. "In fact, these guys are doing it the old fashioned way."

Two employees of the restaurant were allegedly writing down the numbers of customer credit cards and with a friend, charging thousands of dollars worth of merchandise and meals.

"They're really using the credit card numbers at restaurants where they know somebody, and putting down an excessive tip -- like there was $75 for one person, $100 dollars for another," said Thompson. "I mean, who gets that kind of tip?"

Police said they were tipped off when the suspects went to a downtown hotel and tried to use the credit card information. The hotel was suspicious and called the credit card company, and then police. They then held the suspects until officers arrived.

Now investigators are looking other potential victims. The feds are also involved.

As for where it started, the accused employees at Hot Stix Stir Fry Kitchen have since been fired.

"The manager of the restaurant has been very cooperative with us, and very anxious to get this settled, and get the bad seeds out of the restaurant," Thompson said.

Police said they believe the scam itself has been going on for several months. Thus far, they have found seven victims.