MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A BJ’s Wholesale Club employee was arrested Wednesday after investigators with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office accused him of fraudulently approving tire replacement claims for “friends and associates,” costing the retailer thousands of dollars.

According to an MDSO arrest report, Julio Cordova, 21, who has worked as a sales associate at the BJ’s at 17250 NW 57th St. in Hialeah since November 2023, processed fraudulent road hazard warranty claims between May 3 and Aug. 2.

Investigators said Cordova allowed friends and associates to receive free replacement tires through BJ’s Road Hazard Warranty program, even though the original tires had not been purchased from the retailer.

The warranty covers only tires sold by BJ’s, according to the arrest report.

Authorities said Cordova knowingly approved multiple fraudulent warranty claims, with each replacement valued at up to $550. The total loss to BJ’s was estimated at approximately $3,789.

The investigation also found that Cordova allegedly received kickbacks in exchange for approving the fraudulent tire replacements.

After being advised of his Miranda rights, Cordova agreed to speak with investigators, according to the arrest report.

Deputies said he admitted to processing the fraudulent transactions and acknowledged he knew the tires had not originally been purchased at BJ’s. He also told investigators he knew the warranty claims were false and violated the company’s road hazard policy, the report...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi4gFBVV95cUxPZV9HNUs0d1VCT1ZRWExsV056...