Fake stimulus check in Florida lures suspects to an auditorium.

They flocked by the dozens to the War Memorial Auditorium, lured by promises of fat stimulus checks. What they got was something else entirely.
In total, more than 100 qualified recipients scheduled appointments last week to see officials with the South Florida Stimulus Coalition in the hopes of a quick buck from a company with the slogan, "Helping jump start our economy."
But instead, they found Fort Lauderdale police officers. And instead of a stimulus check, they were handcuffed and led off to jail.
Police announced the results Thursday of the two-day sting targeting Fort Lauderdale residents with outstanding warrants: 76 arrests of fugitives wanted for offenses ranging from grand theft to fraud to attempted murder.
"We're always looking for creative ways to conduct operations and reduce crime," said police spokesman Sgt. Frank Sousa from inside the War Memorial Auditorium, where South Florida Stimulus Coalition banners hung next to company business cards.


Link: http://www.miamiherald.com/1460/story/1205710.html?storylink=mirelated