IRON MT. — Two individuals from Georgia have been arrested for allegedly using fraudulent credit cards to scam multiple businesses in the Upper Peninsula out of more than $21,000. According to a Michigan State police press release, on May 19, State Police at the Iron Mountain Post were contacted by a local business and advised that two subjects had allegedly used fraudulent credit cards to purchase thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise at various locations where this business had stores throughout the UP, including Menominee, Dickinson, and Iron Counties.

In partnership with the Iron Mountain City Police Department, the investigation revealed the vehicle which the suspects had been driving was recently observed in the Auburn Hills, Michigan area. A “BOLO” was issued for the vehicle, and a short while later, Auburn Hills Police had located the vehicle and the suspects at the Great Lakes Crossings Mall in Auburn Hills. The suspects were arrested and subsequently transported to the Dickinson County Jail where they were lodged.

On May 23, 2025, 34-year-old Jonathan Daniels from Lithonia, Geogia was arraigned in the 95B District Court on charges of:

• 1 count: Larceny by Conversion greater than $1,000 but less than $20,000

• 3 counts: Financial Transaction Device- Uttering and Publishing

• 3 counts: Financial Transaction Device- Possession of Fraudulent

Daniels was arraigned as a habitual offender. His bond was set at $30,000 (10% allowed). He is next due in court on June 5.

Also, on May 23, 2025, 28-year-old Shanee Clark from Covington, Georgia was arraigned in the 95B District Court on charges of:

• 1 count: Larceny by Conversion greater than $1,000 but less than $20,000

• 3 counts: Financial Transaction Device- Uttering and Publishing

• 3 counts: Financial Transaction Device- Possession of Fraudulent

Clark was arraigned as a habitual offender. Her bond was set at $20,000 (10% allowed). She is next due court on June 5, 2025. Both defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty.

To help other retailers avoid becoming a victim of this scam, State Police offer this information:

Fraudulent credit cards were allegedly used in these crimes. It’s believed that the purchase of merchandise is made at a store using a fake card. When the payment is processed at the store, an error is found in the system, but the purchase still goes through as a “stand in” or offline transaction. Later, the bank rejects the payment because the card was fake and not linked to a real account. The bank then sends a chargeback to the store, which means the store must cover the cost of the stolen merchandise.

To protect yourself from these scams, retailers should always send transactions online to get approval right away. Do not allow “offline” transactions or for the card data to be entered manually. Also, check the card to see if it looks fake or changed. If anything seems suspicious, call law enforcement immediately.

MSP encourages anyone with further information, including any other potential victims of this scam, to please contact your local MSP Post. Locally, for Menominee, Dickinson, and Iron Counties, the MSP Iron Mountain Post can be reached by calling 906-774-2122.

MSP Iron Mountain Post thanks the other agencies who assisted with this investigation including the Iron Mountain Police Department, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department, Marinette County (WI) Sheriff’s Department, Auburn Hills Police Department, MSP Metro North Post, Dickinson County Dispatch, and MSP Negaunee Regional Communications Center.