FARGO, N.D. — BLVD Nutrition, a local nutrition shop at 4377 15th Ave. S., is urging fellow Fargo merchants to be vigilant after a recent theft that involved a deceptive “cash‑change distraction” scheme.

What happened

On Monday night, Nov. 10, around 6 p.m., a man entered the store appearing urgent. He asked staff for change for $20 bills, claiming he needed it immediately. While employees were focused on the request, the man seized an employee’s purse and fled.

The store posted a photo of the suspect and is asking the public for help identifying and locating him. According to the owners, the same individual used this tactic earlier this year at BLVD Nutrition and has reportedly tried it at other local businesses.

Store’s response

“We just know if someone’s pressing you, first of all, don’t do it. We don’t do any (money) exchanging anymore. We said if they need change, they need to go to the bank. We’re not a bank, we can’t provide that for people,” said Abagale Alexander, co‑owner of BLVD Nutrition.

Alexander added that other area business owners have reported similar encounters with the same suspect, indicating a pattern of opportunistic theft targeting small retailers.

Preventive steps for merchants

BLVD Nutrition has implemented new policies to deter future incidents, including:

• Refusing to provide change for large bills on the premises.
• Directing customers who need change to nearby banks or ATMs.
• Training staff to recognize pressure tactics and to alert law enforcement immediately.

The owners are also encouraging other Fargo businesses to share any related experiences, creating a community‑wide alert system to protect local commerce.

How to help

Anyone who recognizes the individual in the posted photograph or has information about the theft is asked to contact the Fargo Police Department’s non‑emergency line at (701) 328‑1234.

Local law enforcement is reviewing surveillance footage and working with business owners to track the suspect. Community members are reminded that reporting suspicious activity promptly can help keep Fargo’s downtown safe and thriving.

Community impact

Scams like the cash‑change distraction not only threaten individual businesses but also erode the sense of trust that underpins a strong, family‑focused community. By sharing information and adopting preventive measures, Fargo merchants are reinforcing the values of personal responsibility and mutual respect that make the city a safe place for families and faith‑based neighborhoods.

Original reporting: InForum (Fargo section) — read the source article.