Waffle House waitress arrested for alleged credit card fraud

SATSUMA, Ala. (WALA) - Satsuma Police arrested a local waitress who they said racked up more than $2,000 in charges on various customer credit cards.

Police said Natasha Riche was employed at the Waffle House in Satsuma off Old Hwy 43. Officials said she had been adding $40 to $150 tips on customer credit cards during the months of December 2012 through February 2013.

“The victims weren't aware that this was taking place till later on and some of them we're still contacting now,” said Satsuma Police Chief Michael McLean.

Police said they have identified at least 12 victims so far and expect to find more. While many victims did not realize they had been grossly overcharged, some only got wind of the scam weeks after eating at the Waffle House.

 “I checked my account and I seen it was $108.46, and I knew it should have been $8.46,” said Deborah Bowling, who fell victim to the scheme.

Bowling said she only ordered $8 worth of take-out in the first week of February.

She said she was outraged when she checked her statements two weeks later.

“I called my credit card company,” said Bowling. “They told me I'd have to get paperwork so the next day I went into the Waffle House, and they immediately gave me $108.46 back.” 

Police said the Waffle House fired Riche and alerted police after learning of the scam.

The restaurant has since been reimbursing victim’s as police continue to work the case.

Investigators said they are expecting to file more charges based on the information they have collected.

Riche is charged with three counts of fraudulent use of a credit card. 

If anyone has information in reference to this case, they are asked to contact the Satsuma Police Department at (251) 675-0151