Darien Student's $3.5M Shipping Fraud Scheme

It's a Netflix docuseries-worthy heist: 21-year-old Matthew Frederic Bergwall, a University of Miami student from Darien, CT, decided to swap textbooks for thievery in a $3.5 million shipping fraud scheme. Bergwall is facing a potential 45-year-stint in federal prison for the scheme.

How It Worked:

• Gained unauthorized access to employee accounts at a shipping company.

• Entered fraudulent tracking info for high-value items like electronics and designer goods.

• This fraud allowed for merchandise refunds while keeping the goods.

The Impact:

• Nearly 10,000 fraudulent returns.

• Loss of $3.5 million in products and sales for victim retailers.

Extravagant Spending:

• Bergwall splurged on luxury items: a $41,000 Rolex watch, an electric skateboard, a smart TV, and more.

• He funded lavish trips, allegedly taking his girlfriend to Dubai.

Source: Patch