Close Menu
  • Home
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • THINGS TO DO
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • Contact
Facebook
Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Niceville.com
Niceville.com
Home»FLORIDA NEWS»Orlando man accused of defrauding online retailer with cunning scheme
FLORIDA NEWS

Orlando man accused of defrauding online retailer with cunning scheme

Niceville.comJune 19, 20232 Mins Read
Handcuffs on fingerprints crime page file
Handcuffs, fingerprints. (File photo)

ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando man is accused of defrauding a major online retailer of over $40,000 in an alleged fraudulent returns scheme.

Wail Chouder, 33, of Orlando, has been arrested on charges of organized scheme to defraud $20,000 or more but less than $50,000 following a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigation.

According to the FDLE, the investigation began in May 2022 when the Office of Statewide Prosecution contacted the FDLE Gainesville Field Office with a criminal complaint from a major online retailer.  The retailer identified a customer that was reportedly engaged in fraud involving merchandise theft through a systematic pattern of return abuse.

The total loss to the business was reported to be $40,395.56 for 27 fraudulent returns between May 2019 and May 2022.

The FDLE said the investigation revealed that Chouder’s scheme was to purchase high-value products, including electronics, sporting goods, and luxury eyewear, and after receiving the merchandise, he requested returns, and then sent back lesser-value substitute products in place of the original merchandise.

For his returns, Chouder received a credit in the amount of the initial purchase to the purchasing credit card, account on file, or retailer gift card, and illegally kept the high-value merchandise, the FDLE said. If the company refused a refund, Chouder reportedly filed chargeback claims with various credit card issuers by requesting the retailer to reimburse the credit card issuers for the fraudulent returns.

Chouder allegedly committed the crimes in Orange and Alachua counties.

“Retail fraud hurts all consumers. When these greedy criminals commit fraud against a business, they also make Florida’s hard-working citizens victims, too,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass.

Chouder was taken into custody on an active FDLE arrest warrant when he appeared for a separate court hearing last week. He was booked into the Orange County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Smiling woman in SUV with surfboards on top promoting auto loan rates
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleFort Myers couple arrested for alleged massive COVID relief fraud
Next Article Multi-agency strike force nets 350 felony charges, over $500K in assets seized

Related Posts

Close-up of an Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle with "SHERIFF" markings.

Manhunt ends in Crestview after suspect barricades in home

May 11, 2025
Walton County Sheriff’s Office emblem on the side of a patrol vehicle.

Traffic stop for fake tag leads to pipe bomb arrest in Walton

May 11, 2025
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office investigation graphic

Vehicle hit by gunfire on Destin’s Beach Drive

May 11, 2025
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
  • EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
  • EYEWEAR UNLIMITED
  • HAIR EXPRESS
  • MIDBAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
  • NICEVILLE FARMERS MARKET
  • NICEVILLE INSURANCE AGENCY
  • RUCKEL PROPERTIES, INC.
  • THE WHARF 850
Smiling woman in SUV with surfboards on top promoting auto loan rates
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.

ABOUT NICEVILLE.COM

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS OF SERVICE

© 2025 Niceville.com. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.